Hawaiian cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and influences, resulting in a unique blend of mouthwatering dishes. One such beloved comfort food is hamburger watercress. Picture savory bites of ground beef, sautéed in an umami-packed sauce, tossed with vibrant green watercress, and complemented by refreshing tofu. This simple yet satisfying dish has earned a special place in the hearts of the people of Hawai’i.
Key Takeaways
A Taste of History
Hamburger watercress has its roots in the plantation days of Hawai’i. During that time, as people from various nationalities came to work on sugar and pineapple plantations, they brought along their delicious culinary traditions. The fusion of these diverse influences has led to the rich tapestry of flavors that characterizes Hawaiian cuisine.
A Plantation Classic
Ground beef sourced locally is the star ingredient in hamburger watercress. Combined with Asian-inspired seasonings, it creates a delightful and straightforward dinner that embodies the plantation-style meals cherished in Hawai’i.
If you’re eager to explore more of the island’s favorite dishes, indulge in mochiko chicken, shoyu pork, pastele stew, shoyu chicken, chicken long rice, luau stew, or kalua pig. And if you have a sweet tooth, tempt your taste buds with haupia, malasadas, kulolo, or mochi.
The Key Ingredients
To recreate this delectable dish, you’ll need:
- Cooking oil of your choice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ground beef
- Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
- Patis (fish sauce)
- Watercress
- Tofu
Unmasking Shoyu
Shoyu is a popular condiment in Hawai’i, a Japanese-style soy sauce made from soybeans and wheat. However, if you have a gluten intolerance, you can easily substitute it with tamari, a gluten-free alternative.
The Marvels of Watercress
Watercress, an edible aquatic plant, takes center stage alongside ground beef in this dish. Rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as riboflavin, calcium, and manganese, it contributes both flavor and nutritional value.
Finding Watercress
You’ll find watercress readily available in most grocery stores and farmers markets, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful ingredient in all its freshness.
Delightful Pairings
While the classic choice to accompany hamburger watercress is sticky white rice, you can also enjoy it with other plate lunch sides such as pohole salad, macaroni salad, potato macaroni salad, tossed green salad, or mashed potatoes.
Storing Hamburger Watercress
To store your delicious leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This way, you can savor the flavors for 3-5 days.
Freezing Hamburger Watercress
While freezing is possible, it’s worth noting that the consistency of tofu often changes when frozen. If you prefer, you can leave the tofu out and add it to the dish once it has defrosted.
The Art of Preparation
To create your own hamburger watercress, heat your cooking oil of choice in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until they become translucent. Next, introduce garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef starts to brown. Pour out any excess oil.
Then, it’s time to showcase the flavors unique to this dish. Add shoyu and patis, allowing the mixture to cook until the beef is browned throughout. Finally, incorporate the watercress, cooking until it begins to wilt. Add tofu and heat it through.
Now, it’s time to relish the result of your culinary endeavors!
Learn more about the wonders of Hawaiian cuisine at Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ
