Transport your taste buds this Christmas with a delightful twist on the classic Chinese Braised Beef Stew(红烧牛肉). Originating from the ancient agricultural text ‘Qimin Yaoshu’ (齐民要术), this recipe has evolved over centuries, making its way from the original pork version to diverse regional adaptations across China. Born and raised in the chilly Northeast, where winter temperatures can plummet to -25°C, I’ve infused this traditional dish with warmth and comfort.
Living in Portugal with my beef-loving husband, I’ve tailored the recipe to our preferences. Thanks to the efficiency of a high-pressure pot, the cooking time has been slashed from 2.5 hours to just 1 hour, resulting in incredibly tender and succulent meat. To enhance the nutritional profile, I’ve introduced vegetables into the mix, creating a more balanced and wholesome version. Embracing European spices has added a delightful twist, yielding an extraordinary fusion of flavors.
This simplified yet extraordinary braised beef stew is the perfect addition to your winter table. If you’re aiming to surprise your family during the Christmas dinner, look no further – this dish is sure to impress.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and share your experience!
For more information about the Chinese spices see my ingredients list
Happy cooking!
Easy Chinese Braised Beef stew 红烧牛肉
Equipment
- 1 high pressure cooker cooking time is longer without high pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef cut into big cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 laurel leaves
- 5 cloves
- 3 slices of ginger
- 3 cloves of garlic sliced
- 1 onion cubed
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine Chinese cooking wine
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 liter hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5-6 Shittake or other mushrooms optional
- 2 carrots optional
- 3 Potatoes, medium size optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by cutting the beef into large cubes.
- Chop onions, carrots, mushrooms and potatoes into blocks. Slice ginger and garlic.
Step 2: Aromatics
- In a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add laurel leaves, cloves, and cinnamon sticks, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in ginger, garlic, and onions, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
- Add the cubed beef, stirring until all sides are nicely colored.
- Pour in cooking wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and Sichuan pepper (or black pepper). Give it a good stir to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cooking
- Transfer everything from the skillet into a high-pressure cooker. Add 1 liter of hot water (or enough to almost submerge the beef).
- Stir in Shiitake mushrooms
- Close the high-pressure cooker tightly and cook for 30 minutes.
If you don't have a high-pressure cooker, proceed to Step 6.
Step 4: Fry and Add Vegetables
- After moving the beef into the high-pressure cooker, in the same skillet, add some vegetable oil. Fry the prepared carrots and potatoes until the edges turn brown.
- After half an hour, remove the high-pressure cooker from the heat. Slowly release all the pressure then open the pot. Add the fried vegetables, giving it a quick stir until all the vegetables are covered with sauce. Close the high-pressure cooker again and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Final touch
- Carefully release the pressure from the high-pressure cooker once all the pressure is gone. Open the cooker, Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: If You Don't Have a High-Pressure Cooker
- Pour in hot water until the meat is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is mouthwateringly tender. In another skillet, fry the carrots and potatoes until the edges turn brown, then add them to the meat. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the carrots and potatoes are cooked through. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
- Present the beautiful creation over a bed of steamed rice. Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Chinese Braised Beef with Vegetables!
