Hawaii Style Beef Stew: A Taste of the Islands in Your Kitchen

Hawaii Style Beef Stew: Imagine tender chunks of beef, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of the islands. This isn’t your average beef stew; it’s a culinary journey to the Aloha State, right in your own kitchen! Are you ready to experience a taste of paradise?

Hawaii Style Beef Stew, or “Beef Stew Hawaiian Style,” as some call it, is more than just a meal; it’s a reflection of Hawaii’s diverse cultural influences. Brought to the islands by immigrants from various countries, including China, Japan, and Portugal, this dish evolved over time, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. Each culture contributed its own unique twist, resulting in the delicious and comforting stew we know and love today.

What makes this Hawaii Style Beef Stew so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef, and the satisfying combination of hearty vegetables. The addition of shoyu (soy sauce), ginger, and sometimes even a touch of pineapple juice creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly comforting, relatively easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on a chilly evening or simply transport yourself to the sunny shores of Hawaii with every spoonful. So, let’s get cooking and bring a little bit of Aloha into your home!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:
• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Stew:
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Beef:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our beef. This is a crucial step for developing that rich, savory flavor we’re looking for in our Hawaiian-style beef stew.

1. Season the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. The flour will help to thicken the stew later on.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. You want the pot to be nice and hot before adding the beef. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until they are nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Searing the beef is essential for developing a deep, rich flavor. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of the garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Building the Stew:

Now that our beef is seared and our aromatics are ready, it’s time to build the foundation of our stew. This is where all the delicious flavors come together to create that classic Hawaiian taste.

1. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the stew will become. Check the stew occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.
3. Add Vegetables: After the beef has simmered for at least 2 hours, add the chopped carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Final Touches: Stir in the frozen peas and frozen corn. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the peas and corn are heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving and Enjoying:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up this hearty and flavorful Hawaiian-style beef stew. This stew is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.

1. Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
2. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! This stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Beef Options: You can also use other cuts of beef, such as short ribs or stew meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Sweetness: For a sweeter stew, you can add a tablespoon of honey or a small piece of pineapple during the simmering process.
• Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Slow Cooker: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the beef as directed, then transfer all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Instant Pot: For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot. Sear the beef as directed, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Add the peas and corn after releasing the pressure and cook for another 2 minutes.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Hawaiian-style beef stew! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Hawaii Style Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, a taste of island paradise right in your own kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful, and slightly sweet stew that’s a welcome departure from the ordinary. The tender beef, the melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, and the subtle sweetness from the brown sugar and ginger create a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Most of the work is done by letting it simmer low and slow, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have lurking in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. I personally love serving this stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, just like they do in Hawaii. The rice soaks up all that delicious gravy, making every bite pure bliss. You could also try serving it with mashed potatoes for an extra creamy and comforting experience. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Prefer a richer flavor? Use beef broth instead of water. You could even add some chunks of pineapple for an extra burst of tropical sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

Another variation I’ve experimented with is adding a splash of soy sauce towards the end of the cooking process. It deepens the savory notes and adds a lovely umami flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can easily overpower the other flavors. A tablespoon or two should do the trick.

For those who prefer a thicker stew, you can easily thicken the gravy by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a beautiful, glossy gravy that coats all the ingredients perfectly.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Hawaii Style Beef Stew that I urge you to give it a try. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or simply when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and aloha!