Grilled Teriyaki Steak and Pineapple Kabobs

Fire up the grill for a mouthwatering, tropical-inspired dinner with these Grilled Teriyaki Steak and Pineapple Kabobs. Juicy chunks of marinated steak are paired with sweet pineapple and colorful veggies, all grilled to perfection and glazed with a sticky, homemade teriyaki sauce. The flavor is bold, smoky, sweet, and savory—all in one irresistible bite.

Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight grilling, or meal prep, these kabobs are fun to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Flavors – Pineapple and teriyaki are a flavor match made in heaven.
• Perfectly Grilled Steak – Tender, juicy, and caramelized on the edges.
• Colorful & Fun to Eat – A vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Great for the Grill or Oven – Versatile and easy to adapt to your cooking method.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the skewers and marinade ahead for easy grilling later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Kabobs:

• 1.5 lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into 1.5-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 wedges
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

For the Teriyaki Marinade & Glaze:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry to thicken, optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan (or oven with broiler)
• Large mixing bowl or zip-top bag
• Saucepan (for thickening glaze)
• Skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
• Tongs
• Basting brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade in a separate bowl to use as a glaze later.
Optional: To thicken the glaze, bring the reserved marinade to a simmer in a small saucepan, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place steak cubes in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
Pour the remaining teriyaki marinade over the steak and mix to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Prep the Kabob Ingredients
While the steak marinates, prep the pineapple, peppers, and onion.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread marinated steak, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers in a repeating pattern.
Leave a little space between each piece to allow even cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes.
Baste with the reserved teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes for extra flavor and shine.
Steak should be caramelized on the edges and cooked to your desired doneness.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Remove kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp salad.

Tips for Perfect Kabobs

• Cut Evenly – Uniform pieces of steak and vegetables ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
• Marinate for Flavor – Even 30 minutes makes a big difference in taste and tenderness.
• Leave Gaps – Don’t overcrowd the skewers; space helps everything grill evenly.
• Baste for Shine – The thickened glaze adds a beautiful finish and extra flavor.
• Rest the Meat – Let kabobs rest a few minutes before serving for juicier steak.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Citrus Kick: Add orange zest or juice for a bright twist.
• Tropical Vibe: Add mango or use coconut aminos for a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add roasted garlic to the glaze for deeper flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped cilantro or basil to the marinade before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Steamed jasmine or coconut rice soaks up the teriyaki beautifully.
• With Noodles: Serve over soba or lo mein noodles for a satisfying meal.
• In Wraps: Pull the steak and veggies off the skewer and tuck into a tortilla with slaw.
• On a Salad: Add kabob pieces to a crisp salad for a lighter, high-protein option.
• Party Platter: Serve with toothpicks as bite-sized appetizers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Remove steak and veggies from skewers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

Freezing:
Freeze raw, marinated steak and chopped vegetables (unassembled) in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes! Just make sure it’s canned in juice (not syrup) and drained well before skewering.

2. Can I cook these in the oven?
Absolutely. Broil on high for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with glaze.

3. What’s the best steak for kabobs?
Sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Flank or ribeye also work well.

4. Can I prep kabobs in advance?
Yes, assemble them up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

5. Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
These Grilled Teriyaki Steak and Pineapple Kabobs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky. With juicy steak, caramelized pineapple, and colorful veggies all glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. Simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests—these kabobs are a grilling favorite that never disappoints.

Try them out and let the tropical flavors transport your taste buds. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how you serve them!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American (Asian-inspired fusion)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Sodium: 720mg

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