By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on March 8, 2023 | Last Updated on November 17, 2023
Zippy’s chilli is a well-known Hawaiian meal made with slow-cooked beef, onions, and tomatoes in a delicious sauce. Asian-inspired Zippy’s is a well-known restaurant chain. But their renowned chilli became well-known outside of Hawaii.
It’s known for its simple yet robust flavour, which makes it the perfect meal to share with friends and family. It’s also a great dish to make for the holidays or any special occasion.
In this article, we’ll share the copycat of zippy’s chili recipe so that you can make this delicious meal in the comfort of your own home. So, keep reading!
What is Zippy’s chilli?
Zippy’s is a chain of fast-casual restaurants based in Hawaii, offering American, Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian fusion food. Their most popular dish is their chili, which has become well-known beyond the islands.
It consists of slow-cooked beef, onions, and tomatoes in a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s often served with rice or noodles, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty soup. The dish has been served for many years at various Zippy’s restaurants located throughout Hawaii.
What does it taste like?
Zippy’s chilli has a savoury flavour, with notes of tomato and beef that are balanced out by slightly sweet onions. The mild spices used in the recipe add depth and complexity to the dish without overpowering the main flavours. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone who tries it.
How did I first get introduced to the zippy’s chilli ?
I first tried Zippy’s chilli when I visited Hawaii for vacation many years ago. A friend of mine had suggested trying out one of zippy’s restaurants, and I was not disappointed.
The chilli had a unique flavour that I hadn’t encountered before, and I was instantly hooked. It quickly became one of my go-to dishes whenever I visited Hawaii, and eventually, it found its way onto the menu at our home kitchen.
How to make zippy’s chilli ?
Making zippy’s chilli is a relatively quick and easy process. All you need to do is brown the beef in a large pot, add the onions and tomatoes, then simmer everything together until it’s cooked through.
From there, you can season the chilli to your liking with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and more. To give the chilli a little extra kick, you can add some diced jalapeños or chilli peppers.
Ingredients
(4 servings)
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 can of Pinto beans (pureed with liquid)
- 1 can liquid canned red kidney beans
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tsp of vegetable oil
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 4 minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp Minor’s beef base
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 5 ounces mild Portuguese sausage
- 4 chopped celery
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Directions
Step 1:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add 4 tsp vegetable oil.
Step 2:
Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic to the pan and cook until vegetables are softened about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the ground beef and sausage, cook until browned.
Step 4:
Stir in tomato sauce, beans, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves and Minor’s beef base. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 5:
Add mayonnaise and brown sugar; stir to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes or until the chilli is thickened.
Step 6:
Serve with your favourite toppings.
Tips
– Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier version of zippy’s chilli.
– If you like a spicier chilli, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
– For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and sausage and replace with 1 cup of diced mushrooms.
– Top your chilli with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions or avocado slices for extra flavour.
Zippy’S Chili Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon of cumin imparting a warm and earthy spice note to the chili.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt seasoning the chili with a hint of garlic flavor and a touch of saltiness.
- 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar bringing a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
- 1/2 green bell pepper adding a crisp and slightly sweet flavor to the chili.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder providing a mild yet distinct kick of heat to the dish.
- 1 bay leaf infusing the chili with a subtle herbal aroma and depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil ensuring a smooth and well-cooked base for the chili.
- 1/2 can about 4 ounces of tomato sauce, providing a tangy and vibrant base for the chili.
- 1/2 pound of ground beef adding a hearty and savory element to the chili.
- 2 minced garlic cloves intensifying the savory profile and adding a delightful aroma to the chili.
- 1/2 tablespoon of Minor’s beef base enriching the chili with a concentrated beefy taste and enhancing its overall umami flavors.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion adding a subtle and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 can about 8 ounces of Pinto beans, pureed with its flavorful liquid, contributing a creamy and velvety texture to the chili.
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth creating a flavorful and savory liquid base for the chili.
- 1/2 can about 8 ounces of the liquid from canned red kidney beans, infusing the chili with a rich and savory essence.
- 1/2 tablespoon of oregano imparting a fragrant and herbaceous note to the chili.
- 2.5 ounces of mild Portuguese sausage introducing a unique smoky and slightly spicy element to the dish.
- 2 chopped celery stalks providing a refreshing crunch and subtly earthy taste to the chili.
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise offering a creamy and luscious texture to the final dish, complementing the flavors with a hint of tanginess.
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add 4 tsp vegetable oil.
- Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic to the pan and cook until vegetables are softened about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and sausage, cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, beans, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves and Minor’s beef base. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add mayonnaise and brown sugar; stir to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes or until the chilli is thickened.
- Serve with your favourite toppings.
Notes
Nutritional information
Calories: 412
Fat: 28.6g
Carbohydrates: 25.3g
Protein: 20.2g
Fiber: 5.9g
Sodium: 860mg
What to serve with zippy’s chilli ?
Zippy’s chilli is a hearty dish that pairs well with many different accompaniments. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Rice or noodles: Serve the chilli over cooked rice, egg noodles, or quinoa for an easy and filling meal.
– Tortilla chips: Scoop up the chilli with tortilla chips for a crunchy and flavourful bite.
– Salads: Pair the chilli with a light green salad, such as a spinach salad or Caesar salad, to add some freshness to the meal.
– Roasted vegetables: Roast some vegetables in the oven while the chilli is simmering – such as carrots, squash, or potatoes – and serve them alongside the chili.
– Avocados or guacamole: Add some creamy richness to your dish with slices of avocado or dollops of guacamole.
– Cornbread: Serve up freshly baked cornbread on the side for an extra dose of comfort food.
– Baked potatoes: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, a baked potato topped with zippy’s chilli is a great option.
– Dips and sauces: Drizzle the chilli with salsas, hot sauces, or ranch dressing for an extra kick of flavour.
How to store leftover zippy’s chilli ?
You can store leftover Zippy’s Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 6 months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Zippy’s chili if all ingredients are cooked thoroughly. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked ground beef and pork, so be sure to cook the beef and sausage completely before adding it to the chili.
Additionally, pregnant women should limit their intake of high-sodium foods such as canned soup, so they may want to opt for a low-sodium chicken broth instead.
Finally, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes during pregnancy.
FAQs
Is this chilli spicy?
Yes, Zippy’s Chili is moderately spicy. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chilli powder.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables, such as corn and green peppers to the chilli.
Wrapping up
Zippy’s Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish that makes a great weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be customised with different toppings and vegetables. This chilli is moderately spicy, so you can adjust the seasonings to your liking.
You can prepare your own zippy’s chilli with this recipe. Please leave a comment if you liked the recipe and remember to share it with your loved ones.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
