Polynesian Stew
A vibrant Polynesian-inspired stew with tender steak, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable for rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. canola oil ⓘ
- 1/2 small onion, sliced crosswise ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery, sliced diagonally
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. lean round steak ⓘ
- 1/2 sweet green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 tomato, cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- 3 or 4 oz. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the onions, celery, and garlic in canola oil for 3 minutes.
- Add the sliced round steak and green pepper strips to the skillet.
- Cook until the meat is slightly seared.
- Pour in the beef broth, add the tomato pieces and sliced mushrooms.
- Mix soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth, then add to the meat mixture.
- Cook on medium heat until the mixture is clear and thickened.
- Serve the stew over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the round steak in soy sauce for an hour before cooking. If you don't have round steak, flank steak or even chicken can work as a substitute. Adding a dash of ginger can enhance the dish's Polynesian flair. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or seitan and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Polynesian stew over a bed of rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also complements the flavors of Hawaiian Flank Steak, making it a great choice for a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the stew thickens too much during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polynesian Stew contains roughly 394 calories, with 25g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this stew?
Yes, you can substitute lean cuts of pork or chicken for the round steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may cook faster than beef. Tofu is also a great option for a vegetarian alternative, absorbing the flavors of the stew well.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the stew. You can also experiment with adding a splash of hot sauce just before serving to customize the spice level to your preference.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Polynesian stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce. Additionally, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy to balance the flavors and add freshness to your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).