Hawaiian Chop Steak Recipe (Easy & Authentic Hawaii-Style)

Growing up around different kitchens, I learned that the best comfort food comes from mixing simple ingredients with bold flavors.

This Hawaiian chop steak recipe became my go-to when I want something hearty but different from regular steak dinners.

The sweet and savory sauce reminds me of traditional island cooking, and the tender beef pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 2 lbs chopped steak or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Ingredients

Start by combining all your seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, and chicken broth together until the sugar dissolves completely. This seasoning liquid will be the base of your sauce, so make sure everything blends well. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the beef and vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Cut your beef steak into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch thick for even cooking. Season the pieces with salt and pepper on all sides. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help it brown properly when you cook it. Having uniform pieces helps the beef cook evenly and remain tender throughout the process.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add beef pieces to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. The beef doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan with the remaining oil, add onions and bell pepper. Stir fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch. Add the grated ginger and garlic, stirring constantly for another minute until fragrant. The vegetables should have a neutral flavor that will absorb the sauce well.

Step 5: Make the Thickening Mixture

While the vegetables cook, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth with no lumps remaining. This cornstarch mixture will thicken your sauce and give it that glossy finish. Make sure to stir it right before adding it to the pan, as cornstarch settles quickly.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the seasoning liquid over everything and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and coats the beef nicely, leaving the seasoning liquid to penetrate the meat.

"Hawaiian-style dishes work because they balance sweet, salty, and savory flavors without overwhelming any single element. The key is letting each ingredient shine while creating harmony on the plate."

- Roy Choi, Chef & Restaurateur

Recipe Notes

• Let the beef brown properly: Don't move the pieces around too much when browning. This creates a better flavor and texture for your Hawaii-style chopped steak.
• Keep vegetables crisp: The onions and peppers should still have some bite to them. Overcooking makes them mushy and they lose their fresh taste.
• Stir the cornstarch mixture: Always stir your cornstarch and water right before adding it. If it sits too long, it separates and won't thicken the sauce properly.
• Simmer, don't boil: Keep the heat at medium once you add the sauce. High heat can make the meat tough and cause the sauce to break.
• Taste and adjust: Every soy sauce brand tastes different. Add a pinch more brown sugar if you want it sweeter, or more vinegar for tang.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 12g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 1,240mg

My Secret Tips for Perfect Results

I've made this Hawaiian chopped steak hundreds of times, and these five tricks always work.

1. Use medium-high heat for browning: Too low and the beef steams instead of browning. Too high and it burns before cooking through. Medium high gives you that perfect golden color.
2. Don't skip the ginger: Fresh ginger adds that authentic island flavor that makes this dish special. Dried ginger powder doesn't give the same bright taste.
3. Let the sauce reduce: After adding the seasoning ingredients, let it simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. This concentrates the flavors and creates the right consistency.
4. Add your own twist: Try adding pineapple chunks or mushrooms for extra flavor. Some families add a splash of sesame oil at the end for richness.
5. Prep everything first: This dish cooks quickly once you start, so have all your ingredients ready. Chopping vegetables ahead saves time during the actual cooking.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

When I serve this at home, these side dishes always get great reviews.

1. Steamed White Rice

The sauce from this dish is perfect for pouring over rice. The grains soak up all those sweet and savory flavors, making every bite delicious.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make a great base for the beef and sauce. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with the tender meat and crisp vegetables.

3. Stir-Fried Green Beans

Quick-cooked green beans with a little garlic add color and crunch to the plate. They cook in the same amount of time as the main dish.

4. Simple Coleslaw

The cool, crisp cabbage helps balance the warm, rich flavors of the beef. A light vinegar dressing works better than heavy mayo-based versions.

5. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This traditional side dish pairs perfectly with the island flavors. The creamy, slightly sweet salad complements the savory beef beautifully.

Related Articles: 

• Chopped Beef Steak Recipe
• Boneless Beef Chuck Steak Recipe
• Chuckwagon Steak Recipe

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