Pipikaula Hawaiian BBQ Ribs

I just love Hawaii. The people are so kind and friendly. And their local food is one of the reasons I keep coming back! Hanging out at the beach, grilling beef ribs in front of the beautiful Pacific Ocean is my kind of vacation! And whenever I’m there, I have to have some Pipikaula ribs! They’re kalbi style beef short ribs, marinated local Hawaiian style. The ribs come out so tender and juicy. And when you grill them over hot coals and get a little char on them… as the local Hawaiian’s say…”Broke da mouth!” or “onolicious!” Meaning “its sooo tasty!”

I have to give credit to my friend and island brother Kauhi for inspiring this recipe. The first time I had his smoked beef I was hooked! You might be surprised what this amazing marinade consists of… but give it a try! This would be a hit at any luau party or a backyard bbq with family and friends. Many local Hawaiians like to enjoy these Pipikaula ribs with a homemade macaroni salad and fresh steamed rice. Check out our youtube video on how to prepare the marinade! Mahalo!

 

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. kalbi style beef short ribs.
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. Hawaiian sea salt
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. white granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
• 1-1/2 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, sliced into 1 inch chunks
• 1 shot of sake (1/4 cup)
• 1 cup of Port Wine (must be port wine)
• 1/2 tbsp. hickory liquid smoke
• 1 tbsp. canola oil

Directions:

Mix all ingredients, except the short ribs, in a bowl until completely blended and sugars have dissolved. Place in a 1 gallon ziplock bag or food-safe sealable container. Marinate for 24 hours for best results, or at least overnight. You can barbecue or fry in a skillet. Enjoy!