What makes this beef stew Hawaiian? No, it’s not made with pineapple or any other ingredients that would be odd to see in a beef stew. It’s called Hawaiian Beef Stew because this is the way it’s made in Hawaii! The islands of Hawaii are a melting pot of people from many different Pacific and East Asian cultures, and so a simple meal like beef stew has taken on different flavors due to the influences of different cooks. The rich, tangy, and sweet tomato base of this stew sets it apart from the typical beefy, oniony stews we make in mainland America. In Hawaii, fresh tomatoes are plentiful and often tossed into the pot with potatoes, carrots, and stew meat. In this recipe, we’re going to use canned tomatoes instead. It’s true that canned tomatoes are picked and packaged at peak ripeness, so they’ll be just as flavorful as sun-ripened Hawaiian tomatoes. You might also like my recipe for Instant Pot Beef Stew, or a Beef Stew made in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients In Hawaiian Beef Stew
Here’s what you need to make this easy, flavorful meal: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Beef Chuck: Well-marbled chuck roast is always my choice when it comes to making beef stew. This will give you the most tender meat. Other types of beef stew meat can also be used. Salt, Pepper, Flour, Oil: These kitchen basics help you season and sear the beef, creating a tasty crust on the outside of each piece. Vegetables: Onion, Celery, and Carrots add richness to this homestyle dish. Beef Broth: Packaged broth or beef stock works just fine in this recipe, but if you have some homemade stock or bone broth, feel free to use it. Potatoes: Unlike classic beef stew that is served with mashed or roast potatoes on the side, this stew includes diced potatoes simmered along with the meat. Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Using canned diced tomatoes is the best way to get lots of fresh tomato flavor. Tomato paste is a concentrated version of the same, so this Hawaiian stew is extra flavorful!Soy Sauce: If you can find it, try Hawaiian Aloha shoyu sauce. Japanese shoyu or Chinese soy sauce will also work just fine. Worcestershire Sauce: This seasoning makes beef taste meatier! Worchestershire is packed with umami flavor notes. Bay Leaf: Have I mentioned that Hawaiian beef stew is incredibly flavorful? A bay leaf adds the perfect final touch, just be sure to remove it from the pot before serving. Corn Starch: Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. This is added at the end to thicken the broth.
How To Make Hawaiian Beef Stew
Recipe Tips
Use Quality Ingredients: Because the ingredients in this recipe are very basic, it’s important that each of them is fresh! The better your ingredients, the better your beef stew will taste. Plan Ahead: To save money, consider purchasing a large chuck roast when it’s on sale, cubing it, and keeping it in the freezer. If you find a good sale, pick up a few of them! This way, you will have stew meat on hand whenever the craving for a hearty beef stew strikes.
Storing Tips
To Store: Keep leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t suggest freezing Hawaiian beef stew with potatoes, as the texture of the potatoes will change, giving the stew a grainy consistency.
What To Serve With Hawaiian Beef Stew
This tasty tomato beef stew is best served over rice. Any kind of rice will do, but I like to use long-grain white rice.
I love to use the Instant Pot to make basmati or jasmine rice for meals like this one.
If you’d rather not make rice, try serving your stew with freshly baked bread, dinner rolls, or even flatbread.
Try Hawaiian beef stew with an easy and healthy salad like my Kale Salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Ding Dong Cake, Custard Pie, or Blackberry Cobbler all sound perfect for dessert!
If you visit Hawaii, be sure to order Hawaiian stew while you’re there! But if a trip to Honolulu isn’t on your calendar yet, then make this easy recipe at home instead.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
