Hawaiian Beef Stew
A hearty, comforting stew straight from the islands, featuring tender chunks of beef and soft vegetables in a rich, savory-sweet gravy seasoned with soy sauce. A true taste of local Hawaiian home cooking, perfect over a scoop of rice.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 150 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the beef with flour, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.75 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- c.Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- d.Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared beef to a separate plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Flavor Base
- b.Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- d.Pour in the tomato sauce and soy sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. This adds immense flavor.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Stew
- b.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Add the beef broth and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes. The beef should be starting to become tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking
- b.Add the potatoes and carrots to the stew. Stir to submerge them in the liquid.
- c.Replace the lid and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- d.If the stew seems too thick at any point, you can add a splash more beef broth or water.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken and Serve
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth slurry forms.
- c.Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
- d.Remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- e.Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh green onions, and serve hot with steamed white rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, don't skip browning the beef. This step, called the Maillard reaction, creates a deep, rich base for the stew.
- 2Patting the beef cubes completely dry before tossing in flour is crucial for getting a good sear rather than steaming the meat.
- 3This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It's perfect for meal prep.
- 4Cut the potatoes and carrots into large, uniform chunks so they don't disintegrate during the long cooking time.
- 5For an authentic touch, serve each bowl of stew with a scoop of white rice and a side of macaroni salad, a classic Hawaiian plate lunch combination.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Additions
Add 1 cup of frozen peas or chopped celery along with the potatoes and carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
For a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the tomato sauce.
Herbaceous FlavorHerbaceous Flavor
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or a sprig of fresh rosemary along with the bay leaves for a more complex, earthy aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
Rich in Iron
This stew provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of protein from beef and complex carbohydrates from potatoes offers a slow release of energy, keeping you full and energized for hours.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Carrots are packed with Vitamin A for vision health, while onions and garlic contain beneficial compounds that support heart health and immunity.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Hawaiian Beef Stew contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and serving accompaniments like rice.