Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a flavor-packed paradise! Kam's Braised Beef is not just a recipe; it's an experience that marries tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a rich, aromatic sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This traditional Chinese dish is the ultimate comfort food that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef brisket
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 star anise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and cut the beef brisket into large chunks, about 2 inches in size. This will help the meat cook evenly and absorb the flavors during braising.
- Season the beef brisket chunks with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef brisket chunks in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef brisket to the pot with the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Add the soy sauce, rice wine, beef broth, brown sugar, and star anise to the pot. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer. The braising process should take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and flavorful.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, taste the braising liquid and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. You can also remove the star anise at this point if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from heat. Let the braised beef rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve the Kam's Braised Beef over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes. Spoon some of the flavorful braising liquid over the beef for added richness and enjoy your delicious Chinese dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, opt for beef brisket with good marbling. The fat will help keep the meat juicy during the long, slow cooking process.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the meat. Those beautiful caramelized edges create deep, complex flavors that are essential to the dish's success.
- Low and Slow: Patience is crucial in braising. Keep the heat low and cook slowly to ensure the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious braising liquid.
- Star Anise Magic: Don't skip the star anise - it adds a subtle, complex flavor that's characteristic of authentic Chinese braised dishes.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Sauce Control: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the beef and reduce the liquid over high heat to concentrate the flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious braising liquid, or pair with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
