Authentic Hawaiian Pulehu Steak Recipe: Smoky, Savory & Grilled to Perfection

Introduction

When most people think of Hawaiian barbecue, their minds immediately drift toward the sweet, sticky glazes of teriyaki or huli-huli chicken. However, true island locals know that the real star of the backyard cookout is Pulehu Steak. In Hawaiian, the word "pulehu" loosely translates to "broiled" or "cooked over hot embers." This method isn't about hiding the meat under heavy sauces; it is about celebrating the natural flavors of the beef, enhanced simply but boldly with a rustic rub of garlic, sea salt, and pepper. It is a cooking style that dates back to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) who cooked fresh beef over open fires after a long day on the ranch.

This recipe brings that authentic island flavor straight to your home grill. While traditional pulehu is cooked over kiawe wood coals, we can replicate that intense, smoky sear perfectly using a high-heat grill like the Arteflame. The flat-top cooktop allows for an incredible Maillard reaction, caramelizing the garlic and salt crust without scorching it bitter. Whether you are missing the islands or looking to elevate your steak game with savory simplicity, this Pulehu steak recipe delivers a mouthwatering experience that captures the spirit of Aloha in every bite.

Ingredients

Meat Selection

• 4 Ribeye Steaks (1-inch thick) or Boneless Short Ribs (The marbling is essential for this high-heat method)

The Pulehu Marinade & Rub

• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Shoyu) - acts as a savory base
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil - for that distinct nutty aroma
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil - helps the rub adhere and prevents sticking
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cane Sugar or Brown Sugar - helps with caramelization
• 10-12 cloves Fresh Garlic - minced finely (Do not use powder; fresh is key for Pulehu)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger - grated (optional, but recommended for depth)
• 2 tbsp Hawaiian Alaea Sea Salt (or coarse Kosher salt)
• 1 tbsp Coarse Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 2 Green Onions - chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and olive oil. Whisk them together until the liquids are emulsified.
2. Add the fresh cane sugar (or brown sugar) and whisk vigorously until the granules have mostly dissolved into the liquid.
3. Stir in the minced fresh garlic, grated ginger, Hawaiian sea salt, coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The consistency should be somewhat thick, almost like a loose paste or a heavy vinaigrette. This texture ensures the garlic clings to the meat during the sear.

Step 2: Marinate the Steaks

1. Pat your Ribeye steaks or short ribs dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture helps the marinade absorb better initially.
2. Place the steaks into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass baking dish.
3. Pour the Pulehu marinade over the steaks, ensuring every side is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the meat slightly to penetrate the fibers.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Allow the steaks to marinate for at least 4 hours, though overnight (12-24 hours) is ideal for the deepest flavor penetration and tenderness.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Build a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill (or preheat your standard grill to high heat). You want the center grill grate to be extremely hot for the final sear, and the flat cooktop surface to be medium-high.
2. Allow the cooktop to reach the optimal grilling temperature. The beauty of the Pulehu method is the char, so you need substantial heat.
3. Wipe the cooktop down with a thin layer of oil to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Grill the Steaks

1. Remove the steaks from the marinade. Let the excess liquid drip off, but try to keep the chunks of garlic and ginger on the meat—that is your flavor crust.
2. Place the steaks directly onto the hot flat-top surface. You should hear an immediate, aggressive sizzle.
3. Sear the steaks for about 3-5 minutes on the first side. Do not move them around; let the heat create a deep, dark brown crust.
4. Flip the steaks. You should see a beautiful caramelized surface where the sugar and garlic have crisped up. Grill for another 3-4 minutes on the second side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness and steak thickness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the steaks reach your desired internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare), remove them from the grill.
2. Place them on a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
3. Slice the steak against the grain, garnish with the chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

Tips

Mastering Pulehu steak is all about managing the relationship between the heat and the garlic. Fresh garlic has a high sugar content and can burn easily if exposed to open flames for too long, turning bitter. This is why the flat-top surface of an Arteflame is superior for this recipe—it provides conductive heat that caramelizes the garlic into a golden, savory crust without the flare-ups that scorch it. If you are using a standard grate grill, watch your steaks like a hawk and move them to indirect heat if the garlic starts to turn black rather than dark golden brown.

Another crucial tip is the choice of salt. If you can find it, use authentic Hawaiian Alaea Sea Salt. This salt is mixed with iron-rich volcanic clay, giving it a red color and a distinct, mellow earthy flavor that standard table salt lacks. It adds a crunch and a minerality that defines the traditional Pulehu taste. Finally, do not skimp on the resting time. Because this is a high-heat grilling method, the muscle fibers contract tightly. Resting ensures your steak is juicy and tender rather than tough and dry.

Variations

While the classic garlic-salt-pepper trio is the backbone of Pulehu cooking, there are several delicious variations you can try to keep your menu exciting. These twists respect the original technique while introducing new flavor profiles suitable for different palates.

• Spicy Pulehu: For heat lovers, add a tablespoon of Sambal Oelek or finely minced Hawaiian chili peppers to the marinade. The heat pairs beautifully with the salty char.
• Sweet & Savory: Increase the brown sugar quantity slightly and add a splash of pineapple juice. The enzymes in the pineapple will help tenderize the meat further, giving it a sweeter, more "luau-style" profile.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the garlic rub. While not traditional to Hawaii, the earthy herbs complement the smoke from the grill wonderfully.
• The "Dry" Style: Skip the soy sauce and liquid ingredients entirely. Rub the steaks with oil, then pack on a dry mixture of garlic salt, onion powder, and coarse pepper. This creates a harder, crunchier bark.
• Alternative Proteins: This marinade works exceptionally well with bone-in chicken thighs or pork chops. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure the poultry or pork is cooked through safe temperatures.

Best pairings

To serve a truly authentic Hawaiian plate lunch, the sides are just as important as the protein. You cannot go wrong with the classic "two scoops rice" approach. Steamed white Calrose rice is the standard; its sticky texture is perfect for soaking up the savory juices from the steak. Serving the steak over the rice allows the garlic-soy drippings to flavor the grain, creating a comforting bite every time.

For the second essential side, a creamy Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is non-negotiable. The cool, creamy, slightly tangy mayo-based salad provides the perfect contrast to the hot, salty, and savory steak. If you want to add some freshness to cut through the richness of the ribeye, consider grilling thick slices of pineapple alongside the meat, or serving a side of Lomi Lomi Salmon (a tomato and salted salmon salad). Grilled asparagus or Maui onions tossed in the same soy-sesame mixture also make for excellent, healthy accompaniments that round out the meal.

Conclusion

Cooking Hawaiian Pulehu Steak is more than just preparing a meal; it is about embracing a lifestyle that values quality ingredients, open-air cooking, and the joy of sharing food with ohana (family). This recipe strips away the complex, sugary sauces often associated with island cuisine and brings you back to the roots of flavor—fire, salt, and garlic. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest methods yield the most spectacular results.

Whether you are firing up your Arteflame on a warm summer evening or grilling in the crisp autumn air, the aroma of sizzling garlic and beef will instantly transport you to the beaches of Hawaii. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your outdoor cooking rotation. Remember to cook with aloha, share generous portions, and enjoy the savory, smoky perfection that is Pulehu steak. Mahalo for cooking with us!