Hawaiian Hamburger Curry Recipe [quick & easy]

This easy Hawaiian Hamburger Curry Recipe is deliciously spiked with fragrant curry spices. This one-pot dish is flavorful, easy to make, and ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, you’ll love this quick and tasty dinner that will be a family favorite in no time. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

What is Hawaiian Curry?

Hawaiian curry is a unique and popular dish in Hawaii that reflects the diverse culinary influences found in the state. It’s a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and other Asian cuisines, as well as American flavors. Hawaiian curry is not a traditional curry like those found in Indian or Thai cuisine but rather a localized adaptation.

Hawaiian curry is a delicious dish that comprises a flavorful curry sauce made using a blend of coconut milk, curry powder, and a variety of spices. The spices used in the sauce can vary, and some versions may include ketchup or Worcestershire sauce for added taste.

The curry is then generously filled with an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, onion, bell peppers, potatoes, and peas, depending on one’s liking. This blend of vegetables introduces a variety of textures and colors to the dish, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

The Hawaiian curry is generally served over steaming white rice, which soaks up the rich and savory sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. For those who like to experiment, optional toppings like green onions, furikake, or shredded cheese can be added to the dish, elevating its flavors.

What is the difference between Hawaiian and Japanese Curry?

Hawaiian curry and Japanese curry share some similarities, but there are notable differences between them:

Japanese curry is known for its mild and sweet flavor. It typically uses a roux-based sauce, a mixture of flour and butter with a blend of spices, including curry powder, which is milder than many other curry powders, and often contains ingredients like apples or honey to add sweetness. The curry roux is therefore typically not very spicy.

Hawaiian curry, on the other hand, can vary in spiciness and flavor depending on the individual recipe. It has a base of coconut milk, which adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the dish. The use of coconut milk is a key distinction from Japanese curry. It often features a more complex blend of spices, and the spice level can be adjusted to suit the preferences of the cook or the diners. Some versions of Hawaiian curry can be spicier than Japanese curry.

Both curries come with extra ingredients, traditionally meat along with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, served with white rice. Hawaiin curry can include a wider variety of proteins, such as shrimp or tofu.

What ingredients are needed for making Hawaiian Hamburger Curry

To prepare a delicious ground beef curry, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients beforehand.

To make the curry sauce, you’ll need a blend of flavorful spices such as curry powder, garam masala, and chili powder, along with fresh garlic, the juice of a lemon, creamy coconut milk, and vegetable broth.

In addition, you’ll need to grab some vegan ground beef and a selection of fresh vegetables including onions, peas, and potatoes. With all these ingredients at hand, you’ll be ready to whip up a mouthwatering and aromatic ground beef curry in no time!

How to make Hawaiian Hamburger Curry

Start with dicing the onion and heating up oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. When the oil is hot, add onions and cook them at medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.

Next, give the ground beef to the onions together with the curry seasoning from garlic, garam masala, curry powder, and chili powder. Cook this all for another 3 minutes.

Mix in coconut milk, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Bring all to a simmer while stirring at medium heat. Then add the potatoes and let them all simmer for 7 minutes.

Finish this delicious curry by adding peas and lemon juice. Season everything with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the Hamburger Curry cook for 3 minutes more and serve.

Storage Instructions and Tips

Leftovers can be a great way to save time and money. To keep the Hamburger Curry fresh for up to 4 days, let it cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container.

If you prefer to freeze it, use proper freezer containers and it will stay good for up to 3 months.

In case the Hawaiian Hamburger Curry sauce is not thick enough, you can add a mixture of flour or corn starch with 1 or 2 tablespoons of water and whisk it into the curry.

More Curry Recipes to try

• Japanese Curry
• Lentil Curry
• Sweet Potato Curry
• Katsu Curry
• Potato Curry

If you try this easy Hawaiian Hamburger Curry recipe, share it with a tag on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.