How to Make the Best Hawaiian Beef Recipe at Home
As you step onto Hawaii’s sun-kissed shores, the smell of sizzling beef fills the air. It invites you to taste the heart of Hawaiian beef. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of heritage and a mix of flavors passed down through generations.
With every tender bite, you feel the warmth of the islands. You hear the laughter of gatherings and the heart of a culinary tradition. It’s a tradition that has grown under the tropical sun.
Hawaiian beef is a key part of the islands’ flavorful cuisine. It invites you to discover its secrets that go beyond the usual. From the unforgettable taste of a marinated ribeye to the comforting beef stew, each dish has its own story.
Join us as we dive into the world of Hawaiian beef. Here, spices, tradition, and love come together to create unforgettable flavors.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hawaiian Beef
Hawaiian beef is a key part of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. It’s known for its rich flavors and unique cooking traditions. Most of the beef comes from the Big Island, where about 130,000 head of cattle are raised.
On the Big Island, most ranches have fewer than 100 cattle. This focus on quality over quantity is a big part of Hawaiian beef’s appeal. The Parker Ranch is a big exception, covering about 130,000 acres and housing around 30,000 Angus cattle.
Grass-fed beef is the main type of beef found in Hawaii. This is because growing grain crops is hard due to the island’s climate. Local beef lovers, though, often prefer grain-fed beef, which is often brought in from the mainland.
The distance to the mainland and the Jones Act of 1920 make shipping beef a challenge. Yet, Hawaiian beef remains a beloved part of the local food scene. It offers a true taste of the islands.

The Unique Flavors of Hawaiian Beef
Exploring Hawaiian beef reveals a mix of sweet and savory tastes. These flavors come from tropical ingredients like pineapple and soy sauce. A great example is marinated beef, where pineapple’s sweetness meets soy sauce’s umami.
Hawaii’s farming practices make its beef stand out. Cattle eat tropical plants, making the meat taste better and tenderer. Each bite offers a taste of the islands’ rich resources. Spices and marinades add to the flavor, bringing out the spirit of aloha.
Hawaiian beef dishes, from juicy ribeye to savory stews, highlight the islands’ focus on freshness. Try these flavors to make your next meal unforgettable.

What Is Hawaiian Beef?
Hawaiian beef includes different cuts from the islands, like ribeye and flank. These cuts are prized for their unique flavors when marinated. Local ingredients, such as pineapple and soy sauce, add to these flavors, reflecting Hawaii’s rich culinary traditions.
Hawaiian beef dishes come in many forms. Hawaiian ribeye steaks are marinated for a long time to soak up flavors. The marinade often includes soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Another favorite is Hawaiian beef stew, a hearty dish with beef and vegetables, showing the beef’s versatility.
Knowing what Hawaiian beef is shows its importance in local cooking. It pairs well with fresh fruits and vegetables found on the islands. This makes it a favorite in both homes and restaurants. Exploring Hawaiian stew recipes, you’ll see the creativity in using different types of Hawaiian beef.

Hawaiian Beef Stew: A Comfort Food Classic
The Hawaiian beef stew is a beloved comfort food. It brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. It’s filled with tender beef, fresh veggies, and rich seasonings, making it perfect for any time.
In a typical beef stew recipe Hawaii, you’ll find beef chuck, onions, carrots, and potatoes. These ingredients blend beautifully. The beef is seared to create a flavorful crust before being added to the stew.
A mix of vegetables adds to the dish’s texture and taste. The veggies to meat ratio is usually 3:1, ensuring a satisfying meal. This balance makes the stew both filling and flavorful.
Cooking time varies, from two hours on the stovetop to eight hours in a slow cooker. An instant pot can cook it in about 35 minutes. Each serving has around 557 calories, offering protein and essential vitamins.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Beef stew meat | 1 pound |
Celery | 3 ribs |
Onion | 1 medium yellow onion |
Carrots | 2 large carrots |
Garlic | 4 cloves |
Tomato paste | 3 ounces |
Potatoes | 1 pound |
Whole peeled tomatoes | 28 ounces (1 can) |
Water | 2 cups |
This Hawaiian beef stew is more than just a meal. It’s a way to connect with family traditions and explore Hawaiian cuisine. Enjoy it alone or with loved ones, and let its warm flavors take you to Hawaii’s beautiful shores.

Popular Hawaiian Beef Recipes
Exploring Hawaiian beef recipes opens a world of rich flavors and traditions. Loco moco is a beloved dish from the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s a hearty meal with rice, a juicy burger, a fried egg, and savory gravy.
This dish is perfect for gatherings and takes about 40 minutes to make. It’s a true island comfort food.

A typical loco moco uses 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. For a deeper culinary exploration, try adding mushrooms or sweet onions. They boost the taste and nutrition.
Teriyaki beef is another favorite, with tender meat marinated in sweet soy sauce. It’s a mix of Asian flavors and local techniques. This dish is a staple in popular recipes for its sweet and savory taste.
For steak lovers, a Hawaiian ribeye is a luxurious treat. It’s grilled to perfection, showcasing Hawaii’s grass-fed beef. This beef is leaner than grain-fed, offering a unique taste experience. These dishes showcase Hawaiian beef’s versatility and let you enjoy the island’s vibrant flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Beef Stew
Making a delicious Hawaiian beef stew recipe is simple. It’s a warm, hearty dish with juicy beef, vegetables, and a rich broth. Follow this recipe to enjoy a comforting meal that brings Hawaii to your table.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Beef Stew
- 2 pounds of chuck beef, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 pounds of leftover smoked brisket, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 2 teaspoons of pepper
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2-4 tablespoons of tallow or high smoke point cooking oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup of celery leaves, finely chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
- 8 cups of beef broth, preferably Pho flavored
- 2-4 tablespoons of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large carrots, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 6-8 celery stalks, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 2 pounds of yellow gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2-4 tablespoons of tallow or cooking oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck beef and brisket with sea salt and pepper, then coat with all-purpose flour.
- Add the beef to the pot and brown for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is nicely seared on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped onion, celery leaves, and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ginger, shoyu, and tomato paste. Mix well and cook for another 30 seconds to incorporate the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaves, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until the beef is extremely tender.
- Once cooked, allow the stew to sit covered at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your Hawaiian beef stew with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or fresh poi for a true island experience.
Hawaiian Teriyaki Beef: A Marinated Delight
Hawaiian teriyaki beef is a favorite dish. It’s made with marinated beef that’s sweet and savory. The recipe uses tender top sirloin steak, about 1/4 inch thick.
The marinade is key. It’s made with dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce. These ingredients give the dish its unique taste.
To make this dish, you need 2 lbs of top sirloin steak. You also need ½ cup of dark brown sugar and ⅓ cup of soy sauce. Plus, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a teaspoon of white sugar are needed.
Let the beef marinate for at least one hour. But marinating for 24 hours is best for the flavor.
After marinating, it’s time to cook. Grill each skewer of beef at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Keep a 2-inch gap on the dull side of the skewer for easy handling.
This dish is great as an appetizer or main course. It has 560 calories per serving and 30g of protein. It’s both tasty and filling.
This recipe is quick to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking takes 15 minutes. You’ll love the mix of flavors and cooking methods that bring Hawaii to your plate.
Creating a Hawaiian Beef Ribeye
Take your grilling to the next level with a Hawaiian beef ribeye. This cut of meat is perfect for a sweet and savory marinade. It captures the essence of island cuisine.
With the right marinade and grilling tips, you’ll get a juicy, tender ribeye. It’s sure to please every taste bud.
Marinade Ingredients
To make a delicious Hawaiian beef ribeye, you’ll need these marinade ingredients:
- 2 cups pineapple juice (approximately 16 ounces)
- ½ cup soy sauce (4 ounces)
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar (2.67 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (3.5 ounces)
- ⅓ cup chopped onion (2.67 ounces)
- 1 1-inch piece of ginger (about 1 ounce)
Mix these ingredients for a tasty marinade. Coat the 3-pound ribeye steaks evenly. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for the best flavor.
Grilling Tips for the Perfect Ribeye
Here are some key grilling tips for your Hawaiian beef ribeye:
- Let the marinated steaks sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before grilling.
- Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high.
- Grill the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the doneness you prefer.
- For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Watch closely to avoid burning, as the sugar in the marinade caramelizes quickly.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in.
For an extra flavor boost, serve with compound butter or pineapple chutney. Grilling a Hawaiian beef ribeye is a delightful experience that will impress everyone.
Exploring Beef Tomato Recipes in Hawaiian Cuisine
The beef tomato recipe is a perfect mix of flavors in Hawaiian cuisine. It shows how different cultures blend to create something unique. The juicy beef and fresh tomatoes make it a favorite among food lovers.
In Hawaiian dishes, organic tomatoes from Waimea add a lot of taste. These tomatoes are picked ripe, without any gas or coolers. They pair well with tender beef, making the dish even better.
Customizing flavors is key in these recipes. Adding red serrano chili peppers lets you adjust the spice to your liking. This shows how Hawaiian dishes can change with each cook’s style.
This recipe is a big part of Hawaiian food culture. It highlights the island’s fresh ingredients and rich traditions. By trying these recipes, you can experience Hawaii’s vibrant food scene.
Hawaiian Beef Stew Instant Pot Method
Making a tasty Hawaiian beef stew in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. This method cooks the stew faster than traditional ways. It also keeps the flavors and nutrients in the food.
Time-Saving Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is perfect for making Hawaiian beef stew. It cooks the stew fast and makes it delicious. Here’s a guide on how to cook it and its nutritional info.
Ingredient | Recommended Amount |
---|---|
Beef Stew Meat | 2 pounds |
Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Beef Stock | 4 cups |
Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
Worcestershire Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
Dried Thyme | 1 tablespoon |
Yukon Gold Potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces) | 4 potatoes |
Carrots (cut into 2-inch pieces) | 3 medium carrots |
This Hawaiian beef stew Instant Pot recipe takes about 35 minutes to cook. After that, you need to wait 20 minutes for it to release naturally. With prep time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a healthy meal in about an hour and five minutes. Each serving has 228 calories, making it a nutritious choice.
Using this quick method, you can enjoy delicious Hawaiian beef stew fast. It lets you taste the vibrant flavors of island cuisine.
Hamburger and Pineapple Recipe: A Tropical Twist
Try a Hawaiian fusion with a tasty hamburger and pineapple recipe. It brings the lively taste of island food to your plate. This dish mixes lean ground beef, sweet pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce for a unique flavor.
To start, you’ll need 1½ pounds of ground beef. This makes four 4-inch round patties that are ½-inch thick. Use 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio for the juiciest burgers. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
Marinate the patties in homemade teriyaki sauce for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce is made from soy sauce, honey, and garlic. This lets the flavors soak into the meat.
Grilling is key for the perfect burger. Cook the patties for 6 to 9 minutes on each side. Make sure the internal temperature hits 160°F for safety. Add pineapple slices to the grill in the last few minutes. This caramelizes the fruit, adding sweetness with melted butter and sugar.
For a full meal, pair your Hawaiian burgers with chicken kabob salad and pineapple lemonade. You can also top your burger with pineapple salsa. This recipe brings Hawaiian flavors to your home, adding a fun island vibe.
Hawaiian Steak Kebabs: A Flavorful Dish
Hawaiian steak kebabs add vibrant flavors to your outdoor grilling. They are great for gatherings, bringing the spirit of communal cooking. The beef is marinated to make it tender and taste amazing.
Adding colorful vegetables and sweet pineapple makes these kebabs unforgettable. They offer a unique grilling experience.
Marinade and Preparation Tips
To make Hawaiian steak kebabs, start by marinating beef in a mix of sake, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add sherry vinegar, garlic, ginger, and scallions for a taste of Hawaiian cuisine.
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Beef, cut into cubes | 1.5 lbs |
Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
Bell peppers, cut into pieces | 1 cup |
Onion, cut into pieces | 1 cup |
Marinade (prepared ahead) | 1.5 cups |
Skewers | 8-10 (soaked if wooden) |
Marinate the beef for at least one hour. But, letting it sit for 12-24 hours makes it even better. When grilling, put 3-5 beef cubes on each skewer with pineapple, bell peppers, and onion.
Use this method for perfectly cooked Hawaiian steak kebabs. Turn them every 4-5 minutes to cook evenly. Enjoy a delicious taste of Hawaii with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Exploring Hawaiian beef cuisine opens up a world of unique flavors. You’ll find everything from savory stews to tender teriyaki and juicy ribeye. Each dish tells a story of Hawaii’s culinary diversity, inviting you to taste its bold flavors.
This journey shows the depth of flavor and the cultural connection to the land. Places like Helena’s Hawaiian Food and Highway Inn blend tradition with innovation. They use local ingredients to make these dishes truly special.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, these recipes let you taste the essence of Hawaii. They bring the heart of Hawaiian beef cuisine into your kitchen. Enjoy the culinary heritage and diverse flavors inspired by Hawaii.
FAQ
What is Hawaiian beef and how is it different from other types of beef?
How can I make Hawaiian beef stew at home?
What are some popular variations of Hawaiian beef dishes?
Can Hawaiian beef stew be made in an Instant Pot?
What ingredients are essential for Hawaiian teriyaki beef?
How should I cook Hawaiian beef ribeye for the best results?
What is a unique recipe featuring both hamburger and pineapple?
Are there any tips for making Hawaiian steak kebabs?
Did You Try Our Recipe?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.