Grilled Steak Tacos, Hawaiian Style

These Grilled Steak Tacos are hugely flavorful and a hit at every cookout. The marinated steak is tender and succulent. Pineapple salsa lends a sweet, refreshing vibe.

Steak Tacos, Hawaiian Style

I haven’t been back to Maui in approximately nearly two decades, but it’s still crystal clear in my mind. Out of all the places in the world we’ve traveled, it’s hard to beat the laid back vibes of island life.

Also. Hawaiian style food is ‘ono. You know I’m serious about it when you hang around here and find Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken and Hawaiian Salmon Poke and Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, to name a few.

Today, I’m showering some island flavors into these Grilled Steak Tacos and pineapple salsa, which are an instant hit at every cookout, every single time.

• These steak tacos are ideal for backyard parties and cookouts, as you can plan ahead and have most of it done in advance.
• The marinated steak is tender and succulent.
• The pineapple salsa can be made ahead of time, and tastes like you’re in Maui.
• All you may need besides a heaping plate of steak tacos is a thirst quenching batch of Hawaiian Mai Tai to go along with it…

What Are Key Ingredients for the best steak tacos?

• Flank steak is popular for steak tacos. However, I most often reach for boneless New York steaks, as it’s my favorite for tenderness and flavor. If you find boneless NY steaks on sale, definitely grab those.
• Plenty of freshly chopped onions, ginger, and garlic provide wonderful aromatics.
• Regular strength soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar work together to balance out the salty, sweet, and tangy fusion
• Pineapple juice helps tenderize and flavor the steak, and provides that Hawaiian flavor. Plus, leftover pineapple juice is aces for Mai Tai.
• Be sure to use Asian toasted sesame oil; it’s not the same as regular sesame oil. You’ll find the dark amber Asian sesame oil in the ethnic food aisles of most major grocery stores. It smells amazing.

What goes into the Hawaiian Salsa?

• We’ve got our usual key players in salsa: tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime, and seasonings.
• Add some pure honey for sweetness and diced pineapple to take it to an Island level. Fresh pineapple is best, but canned pineapple can be used in a pinch.
• Save some extra lime slices for garnish.

Tips for the most flavorful, tender steak tacos:

• Whisk together the marinade ingredients and allow steak to marinate at least several hours to overnight
• Boneless NY steak is my choice for fail-proof flavor and tenderness
• Pierce steaks throughout with fork prior to marinading, to allow flavors into the steaks as they sit
• Grill only until medium-rare, for best tenderness. For me, it’s usually about 3 min per side, but it really varies depending on how hot your grill is and the thickness of your steaks
• Always allow cooked steaks to rest 5 minutes before slicing into them. Slicing too early will cause steaks to lose their juices and possibly dry out
• Did I mention: make a big batch of Hawaiian Mai Tai (make-ahead!)

More to Cook and Eat:

• Garlic Marinated Ribeye Steaks
• Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
• 30-Minute Steak Teriyaki
• Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Try This Beef Barbacoa for tacos and rice bowls, too:

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Our favorite Hawaiian Style Recipes:

Hawaiian Mai Tai (make-ahead!)

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (L&L BBQ Copycat)

Hawaiian Apple Bread Pudding