How to Make Pipi Kaula

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

Pipi kaula is Hawaii's version of beef jerky. It's a popular "pupu" or appetizer that is enjoyed during a barbecue or a casual beach gathering. Despite it's a long process to make, it's worth the wait to bite into these spicy treats.

Ingredients

2 pounds (910g) flank steak
3/4 cup (180 ml) soy sauce
2 tablespoons Hawaiian or rock salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ginger piece, crushed
1 red chili pepper, crushed (optional, for spice taste)

Steps

1
Prepare the flank steaks by cutting them into 1 1/3 inch (3.4 cm) wide strips.^{[1]
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2
Create the marinade. Mix the soy sauce, salt, sugar, garlic clove, ginger, and chili pepper in a small bowl.^{[2]
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3
Marinate the meat in the refrigerator overnight.^{[3]
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4
Dry the meat. This can be achieved by two methods:
- Use a dry box. Lay the meat strips on the metal racks and place in the hot sun for two days. Bring the dry box inside each night.^{[4]
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- Use an oven.^{[5]
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  Research source} Lay the meat strips on metal racks (for example cooking racks). Dry the meat for 7 hours at 175ºF or 79ºC.
5
Serve. Store the meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator or serve immediately as pupus.

Community Q&A

Question

Can a dehydrator substitute for a dry box?

Community Answer

It would give you the same results, use anything that is similar to a dry box.