My Hawaiian Grandpa’s famous Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!) is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This stew features a rich and tangy tomato gravy that simmers with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this recipe embodies the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. Serve it over rice for an unforgettable dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich, tangy taste that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this stew is a breeze.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a comforting meal any night of the week.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
- Leftover Delight: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Medium bowl
- Whisk or jar for mixing
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Ensures even heating while browning the beef and simmering the stew to prevent burning.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing flour and seasonings before dredging the meat.
- Whisk or jar for mixing: Helps create a smooth slurry without lumps when thickening the 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.
- Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the seasoned meat in flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add in the beef (shaking off excess flour).
- Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes in batches if needed.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Liquids
- Once browned, add celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, shoyu, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 ½ cups of beef stock to the pot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Increase heat to high until boiling; then reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
- Mix remaining ½ cup beef stock with ¼ cup all-purpose flour until smooth to create a slurry.
- Gradually pour slurry into simmering stew while stirring continuously.
- Simmer an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over rice for an authentic island-style meal! Enjoy every comforting bite of this rich dish!
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Hawaiian
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 the rich flavors and creating a comforting dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Over Rice
- A classic way to serve this beef stew is over a bed of fluffy white rice, which absorbs the rich and tangy gravy perfectly.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your stew with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Accompanied by Hot Sauce
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serve with a side of hot sauce. This adds an exciting kick to each bite.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the stew in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious gravy.
With Pickled Vegetables
- Adding pickled vegetables on the side can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the stew, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
How to Perfect Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
To achieve the best version of Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your dish to perfection and ensure it turns out just right.
- Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality beef chuck for tenderness and flavor. The marbling will enhance the stew as it cooks.
- Brown the Meat Well: Take your time browning the beef properly. This step adds depth to the flavor through caramelization.
- Don’t Rush Simmering: Allow enough simmering time for the flavors to meld together. Patience is key to achieving fall-apart tender beef.
- Thicken at the End: If you prefer a thicker stew, add a slurry towards the end of cooking. This ensures you control the thickness without overcooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust saltiness before serving, especially if you’re using shoyu or Worcestershire sauce.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to rest after cooking can help improve its flavors as they continue to meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
Pairing side dishes with Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some perfect companions that complement its rich flavors.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A creamy pasta salad that balances out the savory notes of the stew—perfect for any Hawaiian meal.
- Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy offers a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender beef.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with tangy beef stew.
- Fried Plantains: Crispy fried plantains provide a delightful sweetness that complements savory dishes wonderfully.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the stew.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are great for soaking up extra gravy while adding a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Sauteed Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans seasoned lightly offer color and crunch alongside your comforting stew.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of savory sauce from your bowl!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not seasoning the meat properly: Failing to season your beef before browning can lead to bland stew. Be generous with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much meat at once can prevent proper browning. Brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and a rich color.
- Skipping the flour dredge: Neglecting to coat the beef in flour can result in a thinner sauce. Dredging helps create a thick, rich gravy as it simmers.
- Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the cooking process will leave tough meat. Allow enough time for the beef to become tender by simmering low and slow.
- Not adjusting consistency: If your stew is too thin or thick, you may not have added enough slurry or stock. Always check and adjust towards the end of cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave space for expansion.
Reheating Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew (Rich and Tangy!)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30-40 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew that might help you perfect this recipe.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or round if preferred.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when dredging the beef.
What sides go well with Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew?
This hearty stew pairs excellently with rice, bread rolls, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function for browning the meat before adding ingredients. Set it on high pressure for about 35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Grandpa Clarence’s Hawaii-Style Beef Stew is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience filled with rich flavors that bring warmth to any dinner table. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its delightful taste!
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 embodies the essence of Hawaiian comfort food. This savory stew combines tender beef with a rich, tangy tomato gravy, simmered to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, serve it over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its incredible flavor and easy preparation, this stew is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 medium carrots, cut
- 3 yellow onions, chopped
- 3 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup shoyu (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef stock
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and dredge in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides.
- Add celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, shoyu, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock; stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
- To thicken the stew, mix remaining flour with some stock to create a slurry; stir into the pot and simmer for an additional few minutes until thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
