My Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!) is a recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Hawaii to your dinner table. This comforting dish features tender beef simmered in a rich, tangy tomato gravy with hearty vegetables. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, providing a delicious way to enjoy traditional Hawaiian flavors. The best part? You can serve it over rice for a complete meal that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tomato sauce, shoyu, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory taste that delights the palate.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this recipe adapts easily to your cooking style.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with beef and vegetables like potatoes and carrots, this stew is filling and satisfying.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this beef stew is straightforward enough for any home cook.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of stew! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew effectively, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or jar for slurry
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution for browning meat and simmering the stew.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the flour and preparing the slurry to thicken your stew.
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, finely sliced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled as desired and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium yellow onions, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (one) 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup shoyu (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef stock, divided
For Serving
- Rice (as desired)
How to Make Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Place ¼ cup of the flour in a medium bowl.
- Using paper towels, pat the stew meat as dry as possible.
- Season generously with the salt and ground black pepper.
- Dredge the seasoned stew meat in the flour, ensuring it’s well-coated but shaking off any excess flour. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Add olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (a 5-quart Dutch oven works great).
- Once hot and shimmering, add in the beef after shaking off excess flour.
- Brown for 2-3 minutes per side; work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce
- After browning the beef, add remaining ingredients into the pot:
- Celery
- Carrots
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce
- Shoyu
- Worcestershire
- 3 ½ cups of beef stock
- Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Increase heat to high until boiling occurs.
- Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until beef is fall-apart tender.
- Combine remaining ½ cup beef stock with ¼ cup all-purpose flour in a bowl or jar; whisk or shake until smooth.
- Gradually pour slurry into the stew while stirring; it should thicken almost immediately.
- Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Serve Hawaii-Style
Serve your delicious grandma’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew over a bed of rice for an authentic experience. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
Serving Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a comforting meal. Here are some great ideas to make the most out of this delicious dish.
Over Rice
- A classic choice, serve the beef stew over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs the rich and tangy sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your serving with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for an added burst of flavor. This adds a fresh touch that complements the stew beautifully.
Accompanying with Pickled Vegetables
- Serve alongside pickled carrots or radishes. The tanginess of the pickles contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the stew, providing a delightful balance.
Enjoying with Crusty Bread
- Offer warm, crusty bread on the side. Perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy, it makes for an even heartier meal.
Adding a Side Salad
- A light side salad can provide a refreshing contrast. Choose a simple mix of greens with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the stew.
How to Perfect Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
To get the best results from your cooking, here are some essential tips for perfecting Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew.
- Choose Quality Beef: Use well-marbled beef chuck for extra tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Don’t Rush Browning: Brown the meat well before adding other ingredients. This step develops deeper flavors in your stew.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered toward the end of cooking to reduce liquid.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving! You might want to add a touch more salt or pepper based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
Pairing sides with Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its rich and tangy flavor.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful option made with leftover rice, soy sauce, and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and adds an Asian flair.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots offers a bright contrast to the hearty stew.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up the stew’s sauce wonderfully while adding richness.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory dishes like this beef stew, making for a cozy combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, balancing out the meal nicely.
- Grilled Pineapple: For a tropical touch, grilled pineapple slices provide sweetness that complements the savory flavors of your stew.
- Rice Noodles: Light and chewy rice noodles can be served as an alternative base if you want something different than traditional rice.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the tangy beef stew.
These sides will ensure that every meal feels complete when enjoying Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out perfectly.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too much beef at once can cause it to steam rather than brown. Brown the meat in batches for that rich flavor.
- Skipping the Flour Dredging: Not coating the beef with flour can lead to a watery stew. The flour helps thicken and enrich the gravy.
- Rushing the Simmering Time: Cutting down on the simmering time might leave the beef tough. Let it cook slowly until tender for maximum flavor.
- Ignoring the Seasoning Balance: Under-seasoning can result in bland stew. Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings gradually for a well-rounded flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality meat or stock can ruin your dish. Invest in good ingredients to achieve that rich and tangy taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew!
Can I make Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish a day ahead. It actually tastes better after resting as flavors meld together!
What should I serve with Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew?
Traditionally, it’s served over rice. You could also serve it with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! While beef is traditional, you can experiment with pork or chicken for different flavors.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork. This typically takes about 2-3 hours of simmering.
Final Thoughts
Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste! Try making this comforting dish today, and experience its rich, tangy goodness!
Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!) is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian comfort food. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this stew features tender chunks of beef simmered in a luscious tomato gravy infused with shoyu and Worcestershire sauce. Alongside hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery, each bowl is a delicious testament to family gatherings and cozy nights at home. Best served over fluffy rice, this stew not only warms your soul but also brings everyone together for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, finely sliced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium yellow onions, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (one) 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup shoyu (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef stock, divided
- Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches.
- Add vegetables, tomato paste, tomato sauce, shoyu, Worcestershire sauce, and 3½ cups beef stock. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
- Mix remaining stock with flour to create a slurry. Stir into stew to thicken; simmer for an additional few minutes.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
