What is the secret ingredient in a stew?

The secret ingredient in a great stew is umami-rich elements like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of balsamic vinegar. These deepen the flavor and add a subtle complexity to the dish.

What is Caribbean stew called?

In the Caribbean, stew is often called "stewed meat" or "brown stew" , such as "brown stew chicken" or "Caribbean beef stew." A popular variation is "pepperpot" , a rich, spicy stew made with cassareep and slow-cooked meat.

How to cook stew beef so it's tender?

To make stew beef tender, cook it low and slow! Simmering it for at least 1.5–2 hours allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef. Also, searing the meat first locks in flavor.

What is the Hawaiian word for beef?

The Hawaiian word for beef is "pipi" (pronounced pee-pee), derived from the English word "beef."

Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef in Hawaiian Beef Stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast and brisket are classics, other cuts work just fine too. For instance, round steak cooks faster if you’re short on time, though it might not get as tender. Short ribs add richness but require longer simmering. Experiment with what’s available at your local market and see what works best for you.

How Long Should Hawaiian Beef Stew Simmer?

The magic happens when the stew simmers slowly over time. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours for traditional stovetop methods. If you’re using tougher cuts, go closer to 2.5 hours to ensure the beef becomes fall-apart tender. Slow cookers usually take around 6–8 hours on low heat, while Instant Pots speed things up to about 30–40 minutes under pressure. Adjust based on your schedule and equipment.

Is Hawaiian Beef Stew Spicy?

Not typically, but it depends on the recipe! Most versions rely on mild spices like garlic and ginger rather than heat-inducing ingredients. However, adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce can give it a kick if you like things spicy. Customize it to match your preferences—it’s all about making the dish your own!

How to Make Hawaiian Beef Stew in Simple Steps You’ll Love

Name: Hawaiian Beef Stew: A Flavorful Journey Through Tradition and Modern Twists
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes; 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or avocado oil); 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 3 large carrots, cut into chunks; 3 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional); 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Description

If you love hearty, slow-simmered comfort food, this Hawaiian Beef Stew is a must-try! With tender chunks of beef, a rich tomato-based broth, and island-inspired flavors, this dish is a beloved staple in Hawaii. Perfect with a bowl of steamed white rice!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2 tbsp oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf

For the Vegetables:

3 large carrots, cut into chunks
3 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Broth:
Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, then add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf.

4. Simmer Until Tender:
Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in carrots, potatoes, celery, and bell pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, until veggies are fork-tender.

6. Final Touches:
If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with steamed white rice.

Notes

Use a tough cut of beef! Chuck roast works best since it gets super tender when slow-cooked.
Want a thicker stew? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into the stew at the end.
Make it ahead! Hawaiian beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Stew
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: ~350 kcal
Sugar: ~7g
Sodium: ~850mg
Fat: ~14g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~5g
Protein: ~28g
Cholesterol: ~65mg

Keywords: Hawaiian beef stew, island-style stew, tomato beef stew, Hawaiian comfort food