Hamburger watercress: savory bits of ground beef sauteed in an umami packed sauce tossed with vibrant green watercress and refreshing tofu. One of Hawai’i’s favorite comfort foods.

Hamburger watercress is a classic Hawaiian comfort food here in the islands. It was very common during the plantation days. Many people of different nationalities immigrated to Hawai’i to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations.

Along with their travel they brought along their yummy foods. This shaped the mixed plate of foods here in Hawai’i.

Hamburger watercress is a classic of these plantation style meals. Local beef was ground up and tossed with Asian ingredients to create an amazing and simple dinner.

Some other island favorite dishes to try: mochiko chicken, shoyu pork, pastele stew, shoyu chicken, chicken long rice, luau stew, or kalua pig.

Or if you've got a sweet tooth try haupia, malasadas, kulolo, or mochi.

Ingredients for hamburger watercress

• Cooking oil of choice. I like to use avocado oil https://amzn.to/2UATlid
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ground beef
• Shoyu
• Patis
• Watercress
• Tofu

What is shoyu?

Shoyu is a popular condiment here in Hawai’i. It is a Japanese style soy sauce made of soybeans and wheat. If you have a gluten intolerance you can always swap it out for tamari which is a gluten free soy sauce alternative.

What is watercress?

Watercress is an edible aquatic plant that is 95% water and rich in vitamin K as well as vitamins A, C, and B6 as well as riboflavin, calcium, and manganese.

Where can I find watercress?

Watercress can be found in most grocery stores or farmers markets.

What can I serve with hamburger watercress?

Of course here in Hawai’i the favorite is sticky white rice. You can also serve it with pohole salad, macaroni salad, potato macaroni salad, tossed green salad, mashed potatoes, or any other plate lunch sides.

How to store hamburger watercress?

Once cooled place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Can you freeze hamburger watercress?

You can, however freezing tofu often changes the consistency and usually not recommended. You can leave the tofu out and add it to the dish once it has defrosted if you wish.

How to make hamburger watercress?

Watch this video on YouTube.

In a large pan over medium high heat add the cooking oil of your choice and begin to heat. Add onions and saute until just translucent.

Then add garlic and ground beef. Once beef just starts to brown pour out excess oil.

Next add shoyu and patis. Continue to cook until completely browned all the way through.

Then add watercress and stir to combine. Cook until the watercress begins to wilt.

Add tofu and continue to cook just until tofu is heated through.

ENJOY!

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