Steaks Polynesian
Tender cube steaks cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with ginger and peppers, perfect for a flavorful dinner served over hot rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the steaks quickly in butter in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper strips, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until lightly browned.
- Add sliced pineapple including juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
- Heat the mixture thoroughly.
- Blend cornstarch and cold water into a smooth paste.
- Remove the meat, pineapple, and pepper strips from the skillet.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the liquid in the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes clear.
- Return the meat, pineapple, and peppers to the skillet and heat through.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use fresh cube steaks instead of frozen. If you don't have cornstarch, flour can be used as a thickening agent, but may require longer to achieve the desired consistency. Adding a splash of soy sauce enhances the umami flavor and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. Consider incorporating vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Steaks Polynesian hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also goes well with tropical drinks like a Banana, Strawberry, Rum Smoothie for a refreshing contrast. For dessert, consider serving South American Flan for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave works well; cover to retain moisture and heat in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steaks Polynesian contains roughly 305 calories, with 2g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
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 another type of meat instead of cube steaks?
Yes, you can substitute cube steaks with chicken breasts or pork chops. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring the meat reaches the appropriate internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F, while pork can be safely cooked to 145°F.
What can I serve with Steaks Polynesian?
This dish pairs beautifully with white rice or jasmine rice to absorb the sauce. For a more hearty option, consider serving it with quinoa. Additionally, a side of grilled vegetables or a simple green salad complements the meal well, providing freshness and crunch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of combining everything in the skillet. Store the mixture in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove until warmed through. This can enhance the flavors as they meld overnight.
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).