Hawaiian Beef Stew
Hawaiian Beef Stew, known locally as "Local Style Beef Stew," is a hearty and flavorful dish with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich tomato-based broth. Unlike traditional beef stew, this version has a slight sweetness and a tropical influence, making it a beloved comfort food in Hawaii. Serve it over rice for a satisfying, island-inspired meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs 900g beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Vegetables:
- 3 medium carrots sliced into thick rounds
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for slight sweetness
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Work in batches if needed.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
- Pour in beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
- Add carrots, potatoes, celery, tomato sauce, and brown sugar (if using).
- Cover and continue simmering for 45 minutes - 1 hour, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little water.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the stew rest for an hour before serving—it tastes even better the next day!
- For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes into the broth before serving.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.