Description
A rich, tender braised beef dish cooked slowly with soy, Shaoxing wine, and spices for an impressive and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) beef chuck or beef shank, cut into 1½-inch (3–4 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or grapeseed)
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2-inch (5 cm) piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 3 cups low-sodium beef stock (hot)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp rock sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (finish)
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green separated)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry and season lightly with salt. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear beef in batches until a deep brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, white parts of scallions, garlic, and ginger; sweat until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add Shaoxing wine and deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in light and dark soy sauces, oyster sauce, rock sugar, and whole spices. Pour in hot beef stock to just cover the beef. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and braise for 2 to 2½ hours.
- Remove lid and increase heat to medium. Skim excess fat if desired, and simmer until sauce reduces to a silky consistency, about 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in toasted sesame oil and adjust seasoning as needed. Fold in the green scallion slices for freshness.
- Transfer to a warmed serving dish and garnish with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including fermented black bean paste or braising vegetables like daikon or baby potatoes with the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg