Craving a taste of Hawaii? This Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe is your ticket to the islands; no plane ticket is needed. Inspired by my Hawaiian Grandpa Clarence’s kitchen, this stew is a comforting blend of tender beef, hearty veggies, and a tangy tomato gravy that’s pure Aloha in a bowl. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this easy Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe is simple to follow and delivers big, bold flavors. Ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your table? Let’s dive in!
What Makes this Beef Stew Different?
What makes this hawaiian stew Recipe -style different from a classic beef stew is the unique blend of flavors and ingredients that reflect local Hawaii food. This hearty stew begins with stew meat that is browned beef on all sides, creating a rich foundation. As you cook the beef, use oil in the pot and add in beef broth for depth. The recipe calls for a splash of red wine, which elevates the taste, making this the best beef stew recipe you’ll ever try. You can even explore more traditional takes like this Betty Crocker Beef Stew Recipe for comparison.
To truly embrace Hawaiian recipes, make a slurry with some tomato beef stew elements to enhance the flavor profile. Once your browned beef back is ready, add the beef back into the pot along with the local-style beef stew ingredients. It’s a dish full of tender beef that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot Hawaiian beef stew method or cooking it slowly, this easy recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe
- 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
Equipment and Tools
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Can opener
- Mixing bowl
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle
- Tongs
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Servings: 6 People
How to Make Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew: Return beef to the pot. Add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1 hour.
Step 5: Add Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and bell pepper (and pineapple if using). Simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.
Step 6: Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed white rice or with Hawaiian sweet rolls.Tips for the Best Beef Stew Hawaii.
Watch How to Make
Tips for Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the stew. Fresh veggies and high-quality beef chuck roast make all the difference. Trust me, it’s worth the extra trip to the butcher or farmer’s market.
2. Don’t Rush the Simmer: Low and slow is the secret—just like with dishes such as this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken which also shines with patience.
3. Serve It Local-Style: In Hawaii, we always serve Hawaiian Beef Stew over steamed Calrose rice. The rice soaks up the tangy tomato gravy and balances the rich flavors. It’s a match made in Aloha heaven.
4. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give your stew a taste. Need more tang? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Want more umami? A little extra shoyu does the trick. Make it your own!
5. Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Idea for Hawaii Beef Stew Recipe
1. Serve It Over Rice: In Hawaii, we always serve hawaiian stew recipe over steamed Calrose rice. The rice soaks up the tangy tomato gravy and balances the rich flavors. It’s the perfect combo—like waves meeting the shore.
2. Garnish for a Pop of Color: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top. It’s not just pretty—it adds a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the stew.
3. Pair It with Local Favorites: A side of macaroni salad or fresh pineapple rounds out the meal beautifully. If you’re in the mood for dessert after this savory dish, something like a Southern Butter Pecan Pound Cake would be the perfect sweet finish!
FAQs for Traditional Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe
What makes Hawaiian Beef Stew different from regular beef stew?
Beef Stew Hawaii stands out with its tangy tomato gravy and umami-rich shoyu (soy sauce). It’s slow-cooked for tender beef and served over rice, making it a true taste of Aloha.
Can I make this Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour with rice flour to make this Beef Stew Hawaii gluten-free. It works just as well for thickening the stew.
How long does it take to make Beef Stew Hawaii?
On the stovetop, it takes 2-3 hours for the beef to become fall-apart tender. For a quicker version, try the Hawaiian Beef Stew Instant Pot method—it’s ready in 45 minutes!
What’s the best rice to serve with Hawaiian Stew Recipe?
Steamed Calrose rice is the traditional choice. Its sticky texture soaks up the tangy gravy perfectly. Sushi rice works, too!
Can I freeze Hawaiian Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Let the stew cool, then store it in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
What’s the secret to tender beef in this recipe?
Low and slow cooking is key. Let the stew simmer gently for 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Patience pays off!
Can I use a slow cooker for this Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What’s the best cut of beef for Hawaiian Beef Stew?
A beef chuck roast is ideal. It’s marbled with fat, which melts during cooking, making the beef tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Beef Stew Hawaii Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of Aloha. With its tender beef, hearty veggies, and tangy tomato gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings a piece of Hawaii to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or cozy nights in, this stew is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and bring a little slice of the islands to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
