Beijing Braised Beef Recipe

Cook Time: 3 hours  

   Prep Time: 30 minutes

Beijing Braised Beef Ingredients

Beijing Braised Beef Instructions

  1. Pat the beef shank pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the beef shank with 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon five-spice powder. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Sear the beef pieces in batches, turning to brown all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
  5. Add the scallions, ginger slices, and smashed garlic to the pot. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add the star anise pods, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan peppercorns to the pot. Stir for another minute to release their aroma.
  7. Stir in 1 tablespoon doubanjiang and cook for 1 minute until the oil turns red and fragrant.
  8. Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the carrot and daikon chunks, tossing to combine.
  9. Pour in the remaining light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Add 2 tablespoons rock sugar (or light brown sugar) and 4 cups beef stock. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  11. Once the beef is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  12. Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt as needed.
  13. Transfer the braised beef, carrots, and daikon to a serving dish. Spoon the reduced sauce over the top.
  14. Garnish with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced scallions before serving.

Estimated Calories: 327, Servings: 3

Recommended Dishes

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, the best way to keep your Beijing Braised Beef tasting delicious is to let it cool to room temperature before popping it into an airtight container. This easy step helps prevent condensation, which can turn your beef into a soggy mess faster than you can say "quick dinner fix." If you want to keep things healthy and avoid any unwanted fridge odors, stash it on a middle shelf where the temperature is most consistent. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this great move when you're hunting for a fast, tasty meal.
Now, let's talk about shelf life, because nobody wants to play the "Is it still good?" guessing game. Your braised beef recipe will stay at its best for up to four days in the fridge, but if you're feeling adventurous and want to stretch it out, the freezer is your friend. Just make sure to label it with the date, or you'll be starring in your own episode of "Freezer Mysteries." For the best results, eat it within two months for maximum flavor retention and a healthy, easy meal that's ready in a flash.
Speaking of flavor retention, reheating is where the magic happens-or where it can all go terribly wrong. For a quick and delicious revival, gently warm your beef on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it's looking a bit dry. The microwave is a fast option, but beware: it can zap the life out of your once-great dish if you're not careful. Stir halfway through to keep things even, and you'll be rewarded with a meal that tastes almost as good as the day you made it-no culinary heartbreak here!

About Beijing Braised Beef Recipe

If you're on the hunt for the best Beijing Braised Beef recipe, you've just hit the jackpot. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich, savory sauce that's both delicious and easy to make. The secret to this authentic homemade recipe lies in the perfect blend of ingredients-think soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of star anise. If you've ever wondered how to make a quick yet tasty meal that impresses everyone at the table, this is it. Plus, with a few simple tips, you'll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from a Beijing kitchen (minus the airfare).
Let's talk about why this recipe is the best choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Not only is it quick to prepare, but the steps are so easy that even your pet goldfish could probably follow along (if only it had thumbs). The ingredients list is refreshingly simple, so you won't need to embark on a wild goose chase through specialty stores. Just gather your beef, aromatics, and a few pantry staples, and you're on your way to a homemade masterpiece. The result? A tasty, mouthwatering meal that's perfect for sharing-or for hoarding all to yourself, no judgment here.
For those who crave authentic flavors, this Beijing-style braised beef recipe delivers every time. Want to know how to make it even better? Here's a tip: let the beef simmer low and slow to soak up all those delicious juices. The end result is a dish that's not just tasty, but truly the best you'll ever try. Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned chef, this recipe is your ticket to a perfect, restaurant-quality meal at home. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to wow your taste buds with the best Beijing Braised Beef you've ever made!

Beijing Braised Beef History

The cultural origins of Beijing Braised Beef are as rich and layered as a good novel, only much tastier. This dish hails from the bustling heart of Beijing, where centuries of imperial feasts and street food stalls have collided to create some of the best culinary traditions in China. It is said that the recipe was once a favorite among scholars and officials who needed a quick yet hearty meal before heading off to solve the empire's problems. If you ever wondered how ancient bureaucrats kept their energy up, now you know: a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-eat beef dish was their secret weapon. Who needs energy drinks when you have braised beef?
Over time, the recipe for Beijing Braised Beef has evolved faster than a panda running toward a bamboo buffet. What started as a simple, fast meal for busy city dwellers has been tweaked and twisted by generations of home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. Some added a splash of this, others a pinch of that, all in pursuit of the best, most mouthwatering version. The result? A dish that is as adaptable as your favorite pair of stretchy pants, able to go from a quick weeknight dinner to a great centerpiece at a fancy banquet. The evolution of this recipe proves that even the classics can get a glow-up and still be easy to love.
Regional adaptations of Beijing Braised Beef are a testament to the creativity of cooks across China. In the north, you might find a version that is hearty and robust, perfect for those cold winters when you need something fast and filling. Down south, the recipe might get a little sweeter or spicier, showing off the local flair for bold flavors. Some regions even toss in extra veggies to make it extra healthy, because who says you cannot have your beef and eat your greens too? No matter where you go, you are sure to find a delicious twist on this classic, proving that a good recipe is like a great joke: it only gets better the more people share it.

Beijing Braised Beef Story

The first time I found myself thousands of miles from home, I was convinced that the best way to survive was to eat whatever was quick and easy. Fast food became my new best friend, but my stomach soon staged a rebellion. One rainy evening, after a particularly rough day of missing buses and misplacing my umbrella, I stumbled upon a tiny restaurant that claimed to have a recipe from my hometown. Skeptical but desperate, I ordered the dish, and as soon as the first bite hit my tongue, I was transported back to my family's kitchen, where laughter was as common as the clatter of chopsticks.
It is funny how something as simple as a meal can make you feel like you have just received a warm hug from your grandma, even if you are surrounded by strangers speaking a language you barely understand. That delicious plate did not just fill my stomach; it filled the room with memories of home. Suddenly, the world felt a little less intimidating and a lot more familiar. I realized that no matter how far I traveled, a good meal could always ground me, reminding me that comfort can be found in the most unexpected places, sometimes even faster than you can say "homesick."
From that day on, I made it my mission to hunt down every version of that dish in the city, convinced that I could find the great taste of home wherever I went. Some attempts were more successful than others-let us just say not every chef has mastered the healthy balance of flavors my mom swears by. But each new bowl was a delicious adventure, and every not so perfect recipe only made me appreciate the real thing more. In the end, I learned that while nothing beats the original, the journey to find it is almost as satisfying as the meal itself.

Healthy Beijing Braised Beef Tips

Looking to boost the health factor in your Bejing Braised Beef recipe without sacrificing that authentic, delicious flavor? Let's talk about swapping out some of those traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives! Instead of using fatty cuts, opt for lean beef-your heart will thank you, and you'll still get that tasty, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Want to keep things easy and quick? Trim off any visible fat before braising, and use low-sodium soy sauce to keep your blood pressure in check. Trust me, your arteries will be doing a happy dance! For the best homemade results, load up on fresh veggies like carrots and bok choy to add fiber, vitamins, and a pop of color. These simple tips will make your Bejing Braised Beef recipe not just the best, but the healthiest on the block!
Now, let's talk about how to make this classic dish even more health-friendly without losing that perfect, authentic taste. Skip the sugar bomb and use a touch of honey or a natural sweetener to keep things light and lively. Want to make your Bejing Braised Beef recipe the star of your next dinner party? Steam your rice instead of frying it, and serve with a side of greens for a balanced, nutritious meal. Don't forget, the best recipes are the ones that make you feel as good as they taste! With these health-focused tips, you'll have a quick, easy, and tasty dish that's both delicious and guilt-free. Who knew healthy could taste this good?