Flavor-Packed Hawai’i Chopped Steak – 30-Minute Island Dinner

Hawai’i Chopped Steak
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Estimated Cost: 10
Best Season: Spring, Summer
Description

Hawai‘i-Style Chopped Steak is a beloved local comfort dish that brings together tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and sometimes cabbage or mushrooms, all stir-fried in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino flavors, this island favorite is quick to make, deeply flavorful, and typically served with steamed white rice. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a plate lunch spot, it’s a nostalgic taste of Hawaiian home cooking that celebrates the multicultural roots of the islands.

Ingredients
    For the Marinade & Sauce
  • ½ cup soy sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 granulated Tbsp sugar (or honey)
  • 1 rice Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled & finely grated (about 2 cm)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 toasted tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth)
    • Beef & Veggies
  • 1 lb flank, skirt, sirloin, or tri‑tip steak, thinly sliced against the grain (450 g)
  • 2 vegetable Tbsp (or canola)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color)
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for saucier gravy)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp cold water (slurry)
    • Seasoning & Garnish
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked white or brown rice (or noodles)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Mix soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss in beef slices so they're fully coated. Marinate in fridge for 20 minutes (minimum 10 minutes okay).
  2. 2
    Pat marinated beef dry (helps with searing). Thinly slice onion, bell pepper, and chop tomato.
  3. 3
    Heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium‑high. Stir‑fry onion and pepper for 3–4 minutes until just tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
  4. 4
    Add remaining oil; spread beef in one layer. Let sear without stirring for ~1 minute, then stir‑fry until just cooked (medium), about 2–3 minutes.
  5. 5
    Re-add veggies. Add tomato, chicken broth if using, and any remaining marinade. Bring to simmer.
  6. 6
    Stir together cornstarch slurry, add slowly, stirring until sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
  7. 7
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Turn off heat. Plate rice or noodles, top with chopped beef mixture, sprinkle with spring onions. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Sodium 810mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 7g
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.