The hybrid opto-electronic correlator (HOC) uses a combination of optics and electronics to perform target recognition. Achieving a stable output from this architecture has previously presented a significant challenge due to a high sensitivity to optical phase variations, limiting the real-world feasibility of the device. Here we present a modification to the architecture that essentially eliminates the dependence on optical phases, and demonstrate verification of the proposed approach. Experimental results are shown to agree with the theory and simulations, for scale, rotation and shift invariant image recognition. This approach represents a major innovation in making the HOC viable for real-world applications.