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Sapasui from Samoa

Sapasui

From Samoa, Sapasui is a well-known meat dish. ยท Samoa

โ˜… 4.3
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

From Samoa, Sapasui is a well-known meat dish.

About Sapasui

From Samoa, Sapasui is a well-known meat dish. The dish is built around garlic, ginger, beef and pork.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ History & Culture

Sapasui is the Samoan adaptation of Chinese stir-fried vermicelli noodles, reflecting the historical influence of Chinese immigrants in the Pacific Islands. Its origins are tied to the introduction of soy sauce and noodles to Samoa, where the dish was localized by incorporating local proteins like beef and pork, and by using thicker, chewy vermicelli.

In Samoa, Sapasui is a staple at family gatherings, church feasts, and celebrations, often cooked in large quantities over an open fire. Unlike the stir-fried versions elsewhere, it is typically braised in a rich soy-based sauce, giving it a soft, savory character that has become a defining comfort food in Samoan cuisine.

๐Ÿณ How to make Sapasui

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Sapasui (Samoan Ginger and Garlic Meat Stew)

Sapasui is Samoa's signature one-pot dish, brought to the islands by Chinese traders and adapted with local ingredients. It is a fragrant braise of beef and pork in a sweet-savory soy gravy, traditionally served over white rice or taro.

Prep
20 min
Cook
90 min
Total
110 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium

Recipe ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) beef chuck, cut into 3 cm cubes, well-marbled for tenderness
  • 300 g (10ยฝ oz) pork shoulder or belly, cut into 3 cm cubes
  • 30 g (ยผ cup) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced, do not skimp; the ginger should dominate
  • 8 g (2 tbsp) garlic, finely minced (about 6 cloves)
  • 1 g (1 large) brown onion, diced
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) neutral cooking oil
  • 120 ml (ยฝ cup) soy sauce, use a good-quality dark soy for color
  • 60 ml (ยผ cup) oyster sauce, traditional in Palagi-influenced versions
  • 20 g (1ยฝ tbsp) brown sugar, palm sugar if available
  • 500 ml (2 cups) water or beef stock, stock adds depth; water is more traditional in lean Samoan versions
  • 1 g (1 small) carrot, sliced into coins, optional; common addition
  • 4 g (2 spring) spring onions, sliced, for garnish

Steps

  1. 1 Heat the oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and pork in a single layer and sear, turning, until deeply browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Transfer the meat to a plate.
  2. 2 Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion to the same pot and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir constantly for 60 seconds until very fragrant but not browned.
  3. 3 Return the meat to the pot. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water or stock. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. 4 Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef should be fork-tender; if not, continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  5. 5 Add the carrot, if using, and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the meat. The gravy should be glossy and rich.
  6. 6 Skim excess fat from the surface. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch more sugar if the sauce is sharp. The flavor should be salty-sweet with a strong ginger finish.
  7. 7 Serve hot in shallow bowls over steamed white rice or boiled taro, garnished with sliced spring onions. Beef and pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 75ยฐC (165ยฐF) before serving.
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Ingredients
Steps

Sapasui โ€” frequently asked questions

What is Sapasui?

From Samoa, Sapasui is a well-known meat dish. The dish is built around garlic, ginger, beef and pork.

What is Sapasui made of?

Sapasui is made with garlic, ginger, beef and pork.

Where does Sapasui come from?

Sapasui comes from Samoa. Sapasui is the Samoan adaptation of Chinese stir-fried vermicelli noodles, reflecting the historical influence of Chinese immigrants in the Pacific Islands.

Where can I eat Sapasui?

For Sunday feasts along the coast, families scoop sapasui onto banana leaves and eat by hand under the shade of coconut palms.

How do you make Sapasui?

Making Sapasui at home takes about 20 minutes of prep and 90 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 6 and is rated medium. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

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