Step into the rich culinary heritage of the Kingdom of Hawaii with Pipikaula, a delectable treat renowned for its unique blend of flavors. This traditional Hawaiian beef jerky is a testament to the island's cultural fusion, marinated in a tantalizing mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices before being carefully dried to perfection. Discover the history and craftsmanship behind this savory delight as you embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Hawaiian cuisine.

Ingredients:

  - 2 pounds of beef (preferably top round or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain

  - 1 cup soy sauce

  - 1/2 cup brown sugar

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

  - 1 teaspoon black pepper

  - 1 teaspoon onion powder

  - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)

  - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)

  - Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.

2- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a sealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or the lowest setting available. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

4- Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade. Pat the beef slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

5- Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to use multiple baking sheets or work in batches depending on the size of your oven and the amount of beef.

6- Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and bake the beef jerky for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is dry and slightly chewy. Keep an eye on the jerky during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming too dry or crispy.

7- Once the Pipikaula beef jerky is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation if desired.

8- Once cooled, store the Pipikaula beef jerky in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy as a delicious snack or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes!

Note: Feel free to adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other spices or ingredients such as pineapple juice or sesame oil for additional flavor variations.

Nutritional Values :

Here are the nutritional values and benefits for the listed ingredients:

2 pounds of beef (preferably top round or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain:

 - Calories: Approximately 1,440 kcal

 - Fat: 120g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Opt for lean cuts to minimize fat content.

For the Marinade:

1 cup soy sauce:

 - Calories: Approximately 40 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits: Adds umami flavor; provides some sodium which is essential but should be used in moderation.

1/2 cup brown sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 104g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and flavor; provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation.

4 cloves garlic, minced:

 - Calories: Approximately 18 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has potential health benefits such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon ginger, grated:

 - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

1 teaspoon black pepper:

 - Calories: Negligible

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has potential digestive benefits.

1 teaspoon onion powder:

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits: Adds flavor; contains antioxidants and vitamins.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor):

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Adds smoky flavor; contains antioxidants and vitamins.

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level):

 - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits: Adds heat; contains capsaicin which may have metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.

For the Garnish:

Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional):

 - Calories: Approximately 50 kcal (per tablespoon)

 - Fat: 4g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and some minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and method of preparation.