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Hawaiian Pipikaula

Hawaiian pipikaula recipe: sweet-savory beef jerky marinated in shoyu and garlic, then roasted low and slow until chewy, Hawaii’s paniolo cowboy snack.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Pipikaula, meaning beef rope in Hawaiian, was created by the paniolo, Hawaii’s cowboys, who salted and dried beef to preserve it on long cattle drives. Modern versions marinate the meat in shoyu, sugar, and garlic before roasting or drying it into chewy strips.

What makes it great is its intense, concentrated flavor, salty, sweet, and garlicky all at once. It is the perfect party snack and a delicious throwback to Hawaii’s ranching days.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add the beef strips and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack.
  4. Arrange the strips on the rack in a single layer and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until chewy and deeply browned, flipping halfway.
  5. Let cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

💡 Chef tips & storage

For softer pipikaula, roast for less time; for jerky-like chew, go the full 3 hours. Slice against the grain for easier eating.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →