Hawaiian Pipikaula Ribs
Pipikaula is a traditional Hawaiian dried, salted beef, often made from short ribs. This recipe focuses on rehydrating and tenderizing the dried ribs, resulting in a deeply flavorful and slightly chewy dish, often served as an appetizer or side.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef short ribs(bone-in, cut into 2-3 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup Coarse sea salt
- 6 cups Water(for soaking)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 stalks Green onions(sliced, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the short ribs thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Place the ribs in a large bowl and cover with 6 cups of water. Let soak for at least 12 hours, or overnight, changing the water once or twice if possible, to remove excess salt.
- 2
Drain the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked ribs with fresh water to cover them by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- 3
While the ribs are simmering, prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Adjust sweetness and saltiness to your preference. - 4
Once the ribs are tender, drain most of the cooking liquid, leaving about 1/2 cup in the pot. Add the prepared marinade to the pot with the ribs. Stir to coat the ribs evenly.
- 5
Simmer the ribs in the marinade for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ribs.
- 6
Serve the pipikaula ribs hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The soaking time is crucial for controlling the saltiness. Adjust based on how salty your dried beef is.
- ✓For a more authentic chewy texture, you can air-dry the ribs after salting them for a few days before rehydrating.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with steamed white rice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of rice vinegar into the marinade for a slight tang.