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tropical pineapple beef bowl

Who else loves a good grain bowl recipe?! Grain bowls are super simple and can be so versatile! Whether you are wanting to change up your meal prep routine this week or try out a new yummy recipe, this recipe is for you!

After one bite of this tropical pineapple beef bowl, you will be transported to warmer weather and salty breezy beaches. Sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, savory beef slices over a bed of white rice make a delicious meal that is light enough for a lunch but fancy enough for an impressive dinner.

Tropical Pineapple Beef Bowls

tropical pineapple beef bowls

Ingredients:

  • Sliced beef bottom round: We love these slices because they are so easy to cook with a short amount of time. 
  • White rice: We love the bland taste of white rice with this bowl because it makes a good base to complement the strong flavors in the marinated meat and pineapple salsa.
  • Fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple tastes to best!
  • Pineapple juice: It not only adds a delicious sweet flavor to the meat, but the enzymes in pineapple actually help to tenderize the meat, making it softer.
  • Soy sauce: Makes the marinade salty, which you want that flavor to help balance out the tangy sweet salsa.
  • Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, savory flavor to the marinade.
  • Rice vinegar: Acidity helps to cut through the saltiness.
  • Ginger root: Fresh ginger always!! We love the spiciness fresh ginger adds to dishes. It doesn't necessarily create heat like a hot pepper would, but just a tingling of spice.
  • Garlic: Adds a savory notes to the beef marinade.
  • Tomatillos: They look like mini green tomatoes. If you have never cooked with them before, it may seem a little strange. They have a delicious sour taste similar to a green apple and make the salsa super tangy.
  • Purple onion: Purple onions are full of flavor and our favorite for fresh salsas.
  • Fresh cilantro: Adds a peppery flavor to the salsa.
  • Limes: Fresh lime juice brings all the flavors of the salsa together.
  • Jalapeño: The pineapple salsa needs a little heat. And a partially seeded jalapeño does the trick!
tropical pineapple beef bowls

Direction Snapshot:

  1. Make marinade + marinate beef.
  2. Cook rice as beef cooks on skillet.
  3. Make pineapple salsa.
  4. Assemble bowl.
pineapple tomatillo and lime salsa
tropical pineapple beef bowls

How long should you marinate the beef?

The longer the better! But if you are on a time crunch, we recommend marinading for at least 1-2 hours. For a super strong flavor, marinade overnight or up to 24 hours!

How to pick the best pineapple...

Look for these things when picking a fresh pineapple at the store...

1. A yellow base. We recommend a good balance of green and yellow. When the pineapple is mostly yellow and brown, that means it is very ripe and super sweet.

2. Make sure the pineapple is heavy! This means theres a lot of moisture!

3. Smell the bottom of the pineapple! If it has a distinct pineapple taste, it's a good one!

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Of course!! If you are using a larger cut of beef, like flank steaks or round steaks.

We don't recommend ground beef. The main reason is because marinades are meant to break down the meat proteins and tenderize the meat. And when meat is ground, the meat proteins are broken down in the processing. Stick with larger cuts like bottom rounds or flank steaks.

tropical pineapple beef bowls
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tropical pineapple beef bowl

Tropical Pineapple Beef Bowls


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  • Author: Mozie

Description

Sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, savory beef slices over a bed of white rice.


Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb thinly sliced beef

1 cup white rice

Beef Marinade

1 cup pineapple juice

1/3 c soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

4 tbsp rice vinegar

1 piece fresh ginger, minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

Pineapple Salsa

2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped

2 tomatillos, finely chopped

1/4 purple onion, chopped

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes

1 jalepeño seeded (option: leave a couple extra seeds in for heat)


Instructions

1. Mix together marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Place beef slices in marinade and toss to coat all the pieces. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, let it marinade for at least 1 hour in the fridge. You can marinate overnight or up to 24 hours stronger flavor.
2. In a skillet over medium high heat, place several marinated beef slices to the heated skillet. Cook for several minutes on each side. Beef will be done when temp reaches 145°F. Transfer to a dish and repeat seps until all beef slices are cooked.
3. After all beef slices are cooked, add the rest of the marinade to the pan,let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens a bit. Remove from heat and add the beef back in and toss to coat all the pieces. The thickened marinade will become a glaze for the beef.
4. Make rice according to package. While rice is cooking, make pineapple salsa.
5. Chop all salsa ingredients and but in medium bowl. Squeeze juice of two limes, sprinkle salt for flavor and toss until combined.
6. Once rice is cooked, assemble bowls with a scoop of rice, several meat slices and pineapple salsa. Top with green onions, sesame seeds and enjoy.

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