Pipi Kaula(Hawaiian Dried Beef)

Prep: 240 min Cuisine: Hawaiian

Pipi Kaula is a Hawaiian-style dried beef dish featuring tender, marinated flank steak with bold soy, sherry, and ginger flavors, perfect for sharing as a savory snack or appetizer.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb. flank steak
  • ¼ c. soy sauce
  • ¼ c. dry sherry wine
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. crystallized ginger, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Hawaiian salt, 1 to 1 ½ Tbsp.
  • green onion tops

Instructions

  1. Pound the flank steak to ¼-inch thick with a mallet and cut into 4 x 1-inch strips.
  2. Arrange the meat strips in a large baking dish.
  3. Combine soy sauce, dry sherry, minced onion, crystallized ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  4. Pour the marinade over the meat.
  5. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh flank steak that's well-trimmed and pound it evenly to ensure consistent drying. If you don't have dry sherry, a sweet white wine can be a good substitute. You can also experiment with adding a splash of sesame oil for a richer flavor. Always taste your marinade before pouring it over the meat to adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pipi Kaula as an appetizer with toothpicks or alongside a refreshing salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Hawaiian rice or grilled vegetables. For a complete Hawaiian-themed dinner, consider serving it with a side of French Onion Stew to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Pipi Kaula can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in vacuum-sealed bags. To reheat, gently warm the strips in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered, to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pipi Kaula(Hawaiian Dried Beef) contains roughly 106 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1356mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

106 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 4.5g 6% DV
Carbs 12.2g 4% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1356.1mg 59% DV
Potassium 145.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 5.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Calcium 34.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for Pipi Kaula?

Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye, but flank steak is traditional due to its flavor and texture. Just ensure that the meat is sliced thinly and evenly to achieve the best results.

How long should I marinate the beef?

For optimal flavor, marinate the beef for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a more robust taste.

Can I make Pipi Kaula in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Pipi Kaula can be prepared a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Simply store it properly and reheat it just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Beef recipes → All recipes →