Teriyaki Beef and Pineapple Skewers

A sweet and savory grilled delight! These Teriyaki Beef and Pineapple Skewers bring together tender, juicy beef, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even a fun meal-prep option. Fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!

Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple while giving the beef a delicious charred flavor. The combination of tangy teriyaki sauce and the slight smokiness from the grill creates a dish that is packed with umami and a hint of tropical goodness.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the beef for other proteins, use your favorite vegetables, or adjust the marinade to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a quick and flavorful meal, these skewers will not disappoint.

Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
• Sesame seeds & sliced green onions for garnish

How to Make It

1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined. Add the beef cubes, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Skewers: While the beef marinates, chop the pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into evenly sized chunks. This helps ensure even cooking. Thread the marinated beef, pineapple, and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a balanced mix of flavors and colors.

3. Grill to Perfection: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Brush the skewers with additional marinade during grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the beef juicy. Cook until the beef reaches your desired doneness.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker teriyaki glaze, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Brush the thickened sauce over the skewers just before serving for an extra glossy finish.

5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and freshness. Serve immediately with steamed rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

✅ Marinate for More Flavor: The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. Overnight is best.
✅ Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
✅ Use High Heat: A hot grill helps caramelize the pineapple and sear the beef beautifully.
✅ Make It Ahead: Prep everything ahead of time and store skewers in the fridge until ready to grill.
✅ Oven Option: No grill? No problem! Roast at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.

Variations

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
🥩 Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
🥦 Veggie-Loaded: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color.
🍍 Extra Pineapple Love: Grill pineapple rings separately for a delicious side.

Why You’ll Love It

✔️ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, fast cook time.
✔️ Sweet & Savory – Perfect balance of flavors.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite protein or veggies.
✔️ Perfect for BBQs – A crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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