J. Alexander's Steak Maui Recipe (2024)

J. Alexander’s is an esteemed American restaurant chain known for its unique twist on classic American cuisine, and among its array of mouthwatering dishes stands the Hawaiian-Style Steak, particularly the Steak Maui.

This dish has garnered attention for its ability to fuse the bold flavors of the mainland with the tropical essence of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Steak Maui’s marinade is a key component of its popularity, imbuing the meat with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that are reminiscent of a seaside Hawaiian barbecue.

Crafting the perfect dish requires understanding the delicate interplay of ingredients used in the marinade, commonly featuring an amalgamation of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar, that tenderize and enrich the flavor of the steak.

How to Make J Alexander’s Steak Maui

Creating J Alexander’s Steak Maui involves preparing a Hawaiian-inspired marinade that imbues the steak with a savory, tangy flavor.

This dish relies on the interplay between the spicy, sweet, and acidic components of its marinade to create a truly flavorful steak.

Ingredients List

Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1-inch thick)
Marinade:
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper flakes
For Serving:
- Fresh pineapple rings or chunks (optional)
- Steamed vegetables (optional)

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish.

Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper flakes to the mixture.

Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully blended, creating a rich, tangy marinade with a depth of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the steaks in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully submerged.

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for an extra flavor infusion.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven-proof dish to medium-high heat.

Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare or until they reach the desired level of doneness.

While cooking, baste the steaks occasionally with the remaining marinade for additional savory flavors.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve the steak hot, accompanied by steamed vegetables, and garnished with pineapple rings or chunks for a touch of Hawaiian pineapple sweetness, creating a perfect dish that engages all your taste senses.

J Alexanders Steak Maui Side Dishes

Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw

A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, this coleslaw is a perfect dish to complement the Steak Maui.

Combine shredded cabbage with fresh pineapple chunks, carrots, and a dressing made from fresh pineapple juice and mayo.

The flavors from pineapple juice add a unique twist, making it a refreshingly tasty dish that enhances the tropical experience.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

An ultimate savory dish, garlic mashed potatoes are rich and creamy.

Mash boiled potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and cream for an appealing dish that pairs beautifully with the steak’s bold marinade.

Extra pineapple juice can be added for a slight tang to echo the Hawaiian theme.

Grilled Asparagus

Keep it simple yet flavorful with grilled asparagus as a side dish.

Brush the asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender.

The smokiness from the grill provides an excellent complement to the Steak Maui, making it a signature dish.

Macadamia Nut Rice

Incorporate a distinctly Hawaiian flair with Macadamia Nut Rice.

Sauté rice with chopped macadamia nuts, then cook it in a mix of water and a cup of pineapple juice.

This mix of textures and the subtle sweetness from the pineapple juice creates an oven-proof dish that’s as flavorful as it is aromatic.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Opt for a light and Hawaiian side dish with a tropical fruit salad.

Include pineapple rings, sliced mango, papaya, and kiwi for a colorfully tasty dish.

The use of Hawaiian pineapple and extra pineapple juice in the dressing ties it back to the Steak Maui and cements it as a popular dish on the table.

Note: When preparing these side dishes for your Steak Maui, aim for freshness and quality to ensure that each side dish stands out as a savory, tasty, and appealing addition to your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Marinade Ingredients

If you’re unable to use the specific marinade ingredients for J. Alexander’s Steak Maui recipe, you can consider alternative items to maintain a delicious marinade.

Substituting ingredients can still create a flavorful mix that complements the steak beautifully.

Hot Sauce

If the recipe calls for a specific hot sauce that you don’t have, you can replace it with an equal amount of a different hot sauce.

The goal is to maintain the spiciness in the marinade, so any hot sauce that suits your heat preference works.

Pepper Flakes

To substitute for pepper flakes, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cayenne pepper will provide a comparable heat while contributing to the marinade’s depth of flavor.

Fresh Garlic

When fresh garlic is not available, granulated garlic or garlic powder can be a handy substitute.

Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of each clove to ensure the marinade retains its robust flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar

In cases where apple cider vinegar is missing, a good substitute is an equal amount of cup of apple cider or white wine vinegar.

Each will add the tangy flavors essential for a Hawaiian-inspired marinade.

Cayenne Pepper

If cayenne pepper is too spicy or not available, paprika can be used as an alternative.

It will provide flavor with less heat, which may be preferable for those with milder taste preferences.

By making these substitutions, you’ll still achieve a delicious and tangy marinade that captures the essence of the traditional J. Alexander’s Steak Maui recipe while allowing for flexibility based on your pantry availability.

How to Store J Alexanders Steak Maui

Storing Leftover Marinade

If you have a leftover marinade that hasn’t touched the meat, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Pour the marinade into an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.

Remember to let the marinade cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its flavor profile and prevent it from becoming too salty.

Refrigerating Meat in Marinade

For steaks that are still soaking in the marinade, place them in a zip lock or resealable plastic bag to prevent leaks and ensure even flavor distribution.

Refrigerate marinated steaks for the time specified in the recipe, typically not exceeding 24 hours, to avoid the meat becoming mushy due to the acidic components of the marinade.

Freezing Marinated Steaks

Should you wish to store your steaks in the marinade for an extended period, freezing is a viable option.

Use a zip lock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn.

Steaks can be frozen like this for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use, and cook on medium-high heat to the desired level of doneness.

Preserving Extra Marinade for Butter

Transform extra marinade base into a flavorful butter for cooking or as a steak topping.

Mix a few tablespoons of the cool marinade with softened, unsalted butter, then roll the mixture into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate.

Slice as needed to add a burst of flavor to finished steaks or vegetables.

Remember: Always store your marinade and meat at safe temperatures to avoid the growth of bacteria.

Keep in mind the adjusted cooking times when you cook meat straight from the refrigerator, as it will be colder and might require additional time on medium-high heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Your Steak

You want your high-quality steak to remain juicy.

Overcooking can cause it to become dry, tough, and less flavorful.

Use a meat thermometer and follow cooking times carefully to aim for the right doneness.

Neglecting Steak Quality

The quality of the steak is paramount.

Choose fresh, high-grade cuts like skirt or flank steak.

Steaks that satisfy even the pickiest steak eaters start with good meat; lower quality can significantly detract from the final dish.

Forgetting to Season

Steaks should be seasoned before cooking to enhance their flavor.

A common oversight is seasoning too lightly or unevenly.

Ensure steaks are generously and evenly seasoned.

Incorrect Sauce Proportions

The Maui Sauce is crucial for flavor.

Using too much or too little can unbalance the flavor.

Whether you’re using gluten-free soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or a regular cup of soy sauce, measure it correctly.

Likewise, balance the brown sugar and extra pineapple juice according to the recipe.

Skipping Rest Time

After cooking, steaks need to rest.

This step allows the juices to be redistributed.

Cutting into a steak too soon can lead to a less juicy experience.

Allow the roasted or seasoned steaks to rest as specified in the recipe.

Inadequate Marinating Time

Marinating is essential for flavor infusion.

Rushing this process can result in less flavorful steaks.

Give your steaks the full marinating time recommended to soak up the teriyaki sauce or Maui Sauce for the best outcome.

Overusing Sauce While Serving

Drizzle the Maui Sauce sparingly when serving.

An excessive amount can overwhelm the steak’s natural taste.

Aim for a balance where the flavorful sauce complements rather than dominates.