How to Make Beef Stew with Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Beef Stew with Rice is a celebrated fusion dish rooted in Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture, often enjoyed at bustling kopitiams across the island. This hearty meal draws on global influences, adapting the classic stew with local spices and ingredients to suit the Singaporean palate. It is a wonderful example of how Singapore cuisine marries robust flavors from different cultures, creating a comforting dish that's both familiar and unique. The stew is simmered to perfection with tender beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices, served over fluffy white rice. The result is a nourishing, well-balanced meal that is perfect for lunch. Its savory depth, gentle heat, and subtle sweetness reflect Singapore’s multicultural food scene, making it a beloved staple from hawker stalls to home kitchens. Enjoying Beef Stew with Rice is a way to experience the warmth and diversity of Singapore’s food heritage, one spoonful at a time.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2 · Add beef cubes and sear until lightly browned on all sides
Add beef cubes and sear until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 3 · Mix in tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef
Mix in tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef.
Step 4 · Pour in beef stock and soy sauce
Pour in beef stock and soy sauce. Add carrots and potatoes.
Step 5 · Bring to a boil
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender.
Step 6 · Season with white pepper and adjust salt to taste if needed
Season with white pepper and adjust salt to taste if needed.
Step 7 · Serve hot stew over steamed jasmine rice
Serve hot stew over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped coriander if desired.
Why this recipe is healthy
Our healthy version uses minimal oil, lean beef, and a generous amount of vegetables for fiber and micronutrients. Light soy sauce and low-sodium stock reduce overall salt content. This Singaporean stew is filling yet light, helping you stay energized without excess calories—a great option for mindful eaters and calorie tracking.
A note on tradition
Beef Stew with Rice reflects Singapore’s history as a melting pot, where kopitiams and hawker centers bring together Chinese, Malay, and Eurasian influences. While not traditionally vegetarian, beef stew is a familiar sight at Singapore’s food stalls, especially for lunch. It is especially popular for its comforting flavors and ability to cater to diverse palates, symbolizing the nation’s multicultural identity.