beef tomato recipe hawaii with Creamy Coconut-Ginger-Star Anise Gravy

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I find such joy in cooking meals that genuinely bring warmth to our home, especially on a chilly evening. This easy fills my kitchen with an incredible aroma of savory beef, sweet pineapple, and fragrant star anise as it simmers. It’s truly a family favorite, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty without fuss, making it a wonderful addition to your easy dinner ideas.

beef tomato recipe hawaii — Beef Tomato Recipe Hawaii 9

Ingredient Breakdown & Premium Options

Core Ingredients & Measurements:

700 g (1.5 lbs) boneless beef chuck, cut into 3-4 cm (1.5 inch) cubes (for tender, hearty bites; I sometimes opt for leaner sirloin if watching fat intake)
15 mL (1 tbsp) vegetable oil (for searing)
1 large yellow onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
4 cloves garlic, minced (essential aromatic foundation)
2.5 cm (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, grated (for a bright, warm spice)
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces (for color and mild sweetness)
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces (for a fresh, slightly bitter note)
400 g (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (forms the rich tomato base; diced tomatoes also work if that’s what’s in your pantry)
227 g (8 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 30 mL/2 tbsp juice) (for tropical sweetness and acidity)
60 mL (1/4 cup) alcohol-free soy sauce (provides umami; use Tamari for gluten-free diets)
360 mL (1.5 cups) vegetable or beef stock (the liquid base for the gravy)
2 whole star anise pods (for a subtle, warm, aromatic depth that makes this unique)
15 g (1 tbsp) light brown sugar, packed (balances acidity and enhances flavor)
15 g (1 tbsp) cornstarch (to thicken the luscious gravy)
30 mL (2 tbsp) cold water (for the cornstarch slurry)
400 mL (13.5 fl oz) can full-fat coconut milk (for creamy richness)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (to season generously)
Cooked white rice, for serving (the perfect canvas for this hearty dish)
30 g (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish (adds freshness and color)

Upgrades & Enhancements:

Choose grass-fed beef chuck for richer flavor and better nutrition.
Opt for organic crushed tomatoes for higher quality and taste.
Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control salt levels in your .

Substitutions for Trending Diets:

For gluten-free: Use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
For lower fat: Swap chuck beef for lean sirloin (adjust cooking time slightly).
For more veggies: Add chopped carrots or green beans with the onions.

Seasonal & Sourcing Notes:

When fresh tomatoes are in season, substitute up to 3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes.
Look for quality beef at your local butcher or supermarket meat counter for the best results.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Pat & Sear the Beef (6-8 mins): Pat beef dry, season. Heat 15 mL (1 tbsp) oil in a large Dutch oven, medium-high. Sear beef in batches until deeply browned (3-4 mins/side). Remove to plate.
Sauté Aromatics (5-6 mins): Reduce heat medium. Add onion, cook until softened (5 mins). Stir in garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine & Simmer (3-4 mins initial, then 1.5-2 hours): Add bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, pineapple chunks. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring. Pour in soy sauce, stock, reserved pineapple juice, star anise, brown sugar. Return beef. Simmer, reduce heat low, cover. Cook 1.5-2 hours until very tender. In my sturdy 6-quart Dutch oven, I often find the beef perfectly tender around 90 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce (2-3 mins): Whisk 15 g (1 tbsp) cornstarch with 30 mL (2 tbsp) cold water for slurry. Uncover, increase heat medium. Stir in slurry. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and looks glossy.
Finish & Serve (2-3 mins): Reduce heat low. Stir in coconut milk; heat gently 2-3 minutes until warmed through (do not boil). Remove star anise. Adjust seasoning. Serve this rich over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Quick Appliance Options:

Slow Cooker: After browning beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything for this to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender. Stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes if needed to thicken.
Instant Pot: Use Sauté mode to brown beef and aromatics. Add remaining ingredients (excluding slurry), secure lid, and cook on High Pressure for 25-30 minutes. Allow Natural Release for 10 minutes, then Quick Release remaining pressure. Stir in cornstarch slurry if needed using Sauté mode for your .

Inline Troubleshooting:

If beef isn’t tender: Continue cooking on low heat, covered, until it reaches desired tenderness for your .
If sauce is too thin: Whisk another 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and slowly add it, simmering to thicken.
If sauce is too thick: Stir in a splash more beef broth or water until desired consistency.

Ideal Serving Scenarios

This savory dish is wonderfully versatile, perfect for various mealtime needs. It delivers on comfort and flavor, making it a reliable choice for busy schedules.

Occasions: A perfect weeknight dinner when you need a comforting, satisfying meal. Excellent for make-ahead packed lunches for busy workdays. A hearty addition to family gatherings or casual potlucks.
Pairings: Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for a touch of freshness. Complement with a side of Hawaiian mac salad, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers of this beef tomato recipe Hawaii in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Health & Lifestyle Payoff

This flavorful dish offers significant health and lifestyle benefits. It’s a fantastic healthy dinner option, boosting protein intake for sustained energy and muscle maintenance. Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, it’s a satisfying, hearty meal that can fit into a balanced eating plan without feeling heavy.

Easily adaptable for gluten-free and low-carb diets, this beef tomato recipe Hawaii supports weight loss meal prep when paired with lean sides and controlled portions. It’s also a great source of high-protein snacks if you enjoy smaller, satisfying servings. This recipe is an excellent choice for those seeking nutritious, flavorful meals that align with balanced eating and fitness goals, offering many gluten-free ideas with simple ingredient swaps.

Budget & Meal Prep Value

Prep vs. Cook Time Highlights: Active prep time is approximately 20 minutes. Stovetop cook time ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. Utilizing a slow cooker or Instant Pot significantly reduces active cooking time.
Cost Per Serving & Smart Swaps: This beef tomato recipe Hawaii is generally very budget-friendly, especially with standard cuts of beef and store-brand canned goods. Swap beef chuck for a tougher, cheaper cut, extending cooking time, or use ground beef for a quicker, more economical option.
Meal Prep Hacks: Batch cook a double recipe on the weekend and portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for quick, ready-made dinners on busy nights.

Shopping & Online Ordering Tips

Where to Buy Ingredients for Your Hawaiian Beef Tomato Recipe: You can find all the ingredients for this beef tomato recipe Hawaii at any major supermarket. Local farmers’ markets are excellent sources for fresh, seasonal tomatoes and onions when available.
When to Go Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Packaged: Fresh beef is ideal for flavor, but good quality frozen beef stew meat works well and can be more convenient. Canned diced tomatoes offer consistency and convenience year-round. Fresh ginger and garlic will provide the best, most vibrant flavor.
Grocery Delivery & Subscription Mentions: Most major grocery delivery services (e.g., Instacart, Amazon Fresh) carry all the ingredients needed for this beef tomato recipe Hawaii. Consider specialty meat or produce subscription boxes for high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients if your budget allows.

Pro-Level Adjustments & Safety

Chef Tips for Flavor, Texture & Plating: For a richer flavor, deeply sear the beef on all sides until a dark crust forms. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth after sautéing aromatics to capture all the delicious browned bits. A pinch of brown sugar or pineapple juice can add a subtle, authentic Hawaiian sweetness to the sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Kid-Friendly vs. Gourmet Adjustments: Kid-Friendly: Reduce the amount of ginger slightly. Ensure beef is cut into smaller, easily chewable pieces. Serve over plain white rice. Gourmet: Add a dash of mirin or rice wine vinegar to the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro.
Allergy-Conscious Swaps: This recipe is naturally nut-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. For a soy allergy, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.

FAQs

Can this beef tomato recipe Hawaii be meal-prepped or stored for the week?

Yes, absolutely! This beef tomato recipe Hawaii stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What’s the healthiest swap for the beef in this recipe?

For a lighter version of this beef tomato recipe Hawaii, consider lean ground turkey or chicken thighs. For a plant-based option, firm tofu or a hearty mix of mushrooms provides a satisfying alternative.

Is this beef tomato recipe Hawaii available in grocery delivery services?

Absolutely! All the common ingredients for this beef tomato recipe Hawaii, from beef to canned tomatoes and aromatics, are readily available through most major grocery delivery platforms. Shopping for this family-friendly meal is a breeze and saves you time.

Does this beef tomato recipe Hawaii fit a weight-loss diet?

It certainly can be a healthy dinner option! By choosing lean beef, pairing with cauliflower rice, and keeping portions in check, this beef tomato recipe Hawaii is a flavorful and satisfying addition to a weight-loss friendly plan.

Can I make this beef tomato recipe Hawaii spicier?

Yes! To add a delicious kick, I sometimes stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the aromatics. You can also finish your beef tomato recipe Hawaii with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili oil.

What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?

Canned diced tomatoes offer fantastic convenience and consistent flavor year-round for this beef tomato recipe Hawaii. If fresh, ripe tomatoes are in season, using diced beefsteak or plum tomatoes will also yield excellent results.

Conclusion

This easy Hawaiian beef tomato recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s a nutritious, family-friendly meal that won’t break the bank or your busy schedule, perfect for easy dinner ideas. Don’t wait! Add this delicious beef tomato recipe Hawaii to your weekly meal plan, pin it for later, or share it with a friend who needs a comforting meal idea.

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Beef Tomato Recipe Hawaii