When it comes to traditional Chinese cuisine, one recipe that has stood the test of time is Chinese-style braised beef. This flavorful and comforting dish has been a staple in many Chinese households for generations. It is a one-pot dish that is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients and offers a unique blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied. In this article, we will dive deeper into the history of this dish and learn how to make it in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Olive Oil, Butter, Button Mushrooms, Carrots
Braised beef is a classic dish that is loved by many. The slow cooking process results in tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for a special dinner with friends or just looking for a comforting meal, braised beef is a great choice. Here are 20 braised beef recipes that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey.
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Braised Beef Tips
Main Ingredients: Beef, Oil, Onion, Carrots, Beef Broth, Stewed Tomatoes
If you love beef tips, then you will love them even more when they are braised. The tender beef is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Add some mushrooms and carrots to the mix for a complete and delicious dish. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort food.
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Braised Beef with Carrots
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Cloves, Ginger, Shaoxing Wine, Vegetable
Carrots are a classic addition to any braised beef dish. They add a touch of sweetness and color to the final dish. This recipe combines tender beef chuck with carrots, onions, and potatoes for a complete and delicious meal. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, making clean up a breeze.
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Braised Beef Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Beef Short Ribs, Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Grapeseed
Short ribs are a popular choice for braising, and for good reason. The rich and flavorful meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender after being cooked low and slow. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding some red wine, beef broth, and herbs to the mix. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that will impress any dinner guest.
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Italian Family Style Braised Beef
Main Ingredients: Beef Stock, Black Olives, Black Pepper, Celery, Chopped
Take your taste buds to Italy with this delicious braised beef recipe. The meat is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for serving over pasta or with crusty bread. The addition of Italian herbs and red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick that will leave you wanting more.
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Beer Braised Beef And Mushroom Pies
Main Ingredients: Beef, Beer, Mushrooms, Oil, Butter, Fresh Thyme, Salt
If you are looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy braised beef, look no further. These individual pies are filled with tender beef chuck, mushrooms, and a flavorful beer-based sauce. The combination of tender meat and flaky crust is a match made in heaven.
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Osso Bucco (Braised Beef Shanks)
Main Ingredients: Beef Shanks, Butter, Minced Garlic, White Onion, Medium
Osso Bucco is a traditional Italian dish that is made with braised beef shanks. The meat is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with wine, tomatoes, and herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Braised Beef Neck Bones
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Beef Neck, Kosher Salt, Onion, Garlic
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for braised beef, neck bones are the way to go. They are a flavorful and inexpensive cut of meat that is perfect for slow cooking. This recipe combines them with onions, carrots, and potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Pot Roast Braised Beef
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Medium Onion, Carrots, Seasoned Salt, Beef
Pot roast is a classic dish that is made by braising a large piece of beef. The meat is cooked with carrots, onions, and potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding some red wine and beef broth to the mix, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
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Braised Beef and Tortelloni
Main Ingredients: Short Ribs, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Tortelloni is a larger version of tortellini, and it is perfect for filling with delicious braised beef. This recipe combines tender beef chuck with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese-filled tortelloni for a hearty and satisfying meal. The dish is topped off with a flavorful red wine sauce that will leave you wanting more.
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Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Beef Short Ribs, Salt And Ground Black Pepper, Olive
Short ribs are a popular choice for braised beef, and for good reason. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding red wine and veggies to the mix. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. It is a meal that is sure to impress.
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Braised Beef Brisket
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Dried Thyme, Ground Paprika, Kosher Salt
Brisket is a classic cut of beef that is perfect for braising. The slow cooking process results in tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just served with a side of mashed potatoes. This recipe combines the brisket with a flavorful coffee-based sauce for a unique and delicious twist.
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Braised Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Beef, Olive Oil, Large Onion, Garlic, Salt, Ground
This hearty and flavorful ragu is the perfect way to use up any leftover braised beef. The meat is combined with tomato sauce, red wine, and herbs for a rich and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It is a great way to make a little braised beef go a long way.
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Bordeaux Braised Beef #winophiles
Main Ingredients: Beef Shoulder Roast, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Olive Oil
Bordeaux is a wine region in France that is known for its bold and flavorful wines. This recipe uses a bottle of Bordeaux wine to create a rich and flavorful braising liquid for the beef. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Asian Inspired Braised Beef Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Beef Short Ribs, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Sesame Oil
If you are looking for a unique and flavorful way to enjoy braised beef, give this recipe a try. The short ribs are cooked in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce that is made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Easy Braised Beef Brisket
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Seasoning, Grapeseed Oil, Beef Broth, Sauce
If you are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious braised beef dish, this recipe is for you. It uses a slow cooker to make the cooking process a breeze. The brisket is cooked with onions, carrots, and red wine for a flavorful and easy meal that the whole family will love.
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Oven-Braised Beef Brisket
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Salt, Black Pepper, Medium Onion, Medium
If you prefer to use your oven instead of a slow cooker, this recipe is for you. The brisket is cooked low and slow in the oven with red wine, beef broth, and herbs. The result is tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just served with a side of mashed potatoes.
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Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Bone In Beef Short Ribs, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Beef
Short ribs are a popular choice for braised beef, and for good reason. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding red wine and veggies to the mix. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. It is a meal that is sure to impress.
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Braised Beef & Onions
Main Ingredients: Beef, Large Onions, Garlic, Dry White Wine, Calvados
This simple and classic braised beef dish is a crowd-pleaser. The beef is cooked with onions, beef broth, and herbs for a delicious and comforting dish. Serve it over egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Beer Braised Beef Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Soft Flour Tortillas, Beer, Beef Chuck Roast, Salt
If you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, you will love these beer braised beef enchiladas. The tender beef is combined with enchilada sauce, beer, and cheese for a flavorful and hearty filling. The enchiladas are then topped with more sauce and cheese before being baked to perfection.
The Origins of Chinese-Style Braised Beef
The History of Braising in Chinese Cuisine
Braising is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking meat or vegetables slowly in a liquid until they become tender and flavorful. This technique has been used in Chinese cooking for centuries and is believed to have originated in the northern regions of China, where the climate is colder and food preservation was necessary.
The Evolution of Chinese-Style Braised Beef
Chinese-style braised beef, also known as "Hong Shao Niu Rou" in Mandarin, is believed to have originated in the Shandong province of China during the Ming dynasty. It was a dish reserved for special occasions and was often served to emperors and royalty. Over time, this dish spread to other parts of China and became a popular comfort food for ordinary people.
The Ingredients You Need
Key Ingredients for Chinese-Style Braised Beef
The main ingredient in this dish is, of course, beef. It is typically made using beef shank or brisket, which is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. Other key ingredients include dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine, which are essential for creating the deep, savory flavor that this dish is known for.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
While the main ingredients are enough to create a delicious dish, there are a few optional ingredients that you can add to take the flavor to the next level. These include star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns, which add a subtle spiciness and fragrant aroma to the dish.
The Step-by-Step Process
Preparing the Beef
To begin, you will need to prepare the beef by cutting it into large chunks and marinating it in a mixture of dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it.
Braising the Beef
Next, the beef is braised in a pot with a combination of water, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and the optional ingredients. The beef is left to simmer for 2-3 hours until it becomes tender and the liquid has thickened into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the beef is done, it can be served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. The beef will be melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with a delicious blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
In conclusion, Chinese-style braised beef is a timeless dish that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it has evolved into a beloved comfort food that can be made easily at home. So why not try this recipe for yourself and experience the rich, flavorful taste of Chinese-style braised beef?
