Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this braised beef recipe! This classic Chinese dish is packed with rich, savory flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – the epitome of delicious dishes and homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp rock sugar
- 1 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 dried red chili (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop a rich flavor and beautiful color. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Braise the Beef
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried chili (if using). Stir well to combine. Pour in the beef broth and water, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. This is where the magic of slow cooking truly shines, resulting in a healthy meal that's bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, remove the star anise and cinnamon sticks. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. This braised beef makes a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights.
Cooking Tips for the Best Braised Beef:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck roast is ideal for braising as it's relatively inexpensive and becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, dark soy sauce, or rock sugar depending on your preference.
- For a richer flavor: Add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the braising liquid.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bok choy during the last 30 minutes of braising.
- Spice it up: Add more chili peppers or a dash of Sichuan peppercorns for extra heat.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Add noodles or rice directly to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, a general estimate would be around 350-400 calories, with a moderate amount of protein and fat. This recipe is considered a relatively healthy meal, especially when served with a side of vegetables. Consider it one of the best recipes for a balanced diet.
This braised beef recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed cooking. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!