Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This braised beef recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with the aromatic spices and savory sweetness of Asian cuisine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the magic of braising!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: Braise the Beef
Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Remove about ½ cup of the braising liquid from the pot and whisk it into the cornstarch slurry. Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Braised Beef:
- Choose the right cut: Beef chuck roast is ideal for braising because it’s a tougher cut that becomes incredibly tender with long, slow cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the beef in batches to ensure a good brown crust.
- Low and slow is key: Braising at a low temperature allows the collagen in the beef to break down, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar to your preference. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Spicy Braised Beef: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Vegetable Braised Beef: Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Coconut Braised Beef: Substitute coconut milk for some of the beef broth for a richer, creamier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired braised beef! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!