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Chinese Beef Pot 3

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Chinese Beef Pot 3

Chinese Beef Pot 3 is a comforting dish that finds its roots in the everyday kitchens of Chinese families. It is a home-cooked classic, capturing the essence of family meals where salt is measured by hand and fat is embraced for its flavor. This dish is typically prepared on leisurely weekends, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a harmonious whole. It's a recipe passed down through generations, celebrated for its simplicity and heartiness.

The dish offers a rich, savory experience with tender beef cubes and subtly sweet carrots, all brought together with the aromatic depth of onions. The generous use of oil enhances the dish, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel. Black pepper adds a gentle warmth, while fine sea salt heightens each element's natural flavors. This is a meal meant for sharing, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy the fruits of a labor of love.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 2carrots
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by generously seasoning 800 g of beef cubes with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the cubes in a bowl to ensure even coating, allowing the salt to penetrate the meat, which enhances flavor and tenderness.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until each piece develops a deep, rich color, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for building flavor.
  3. While the beef is browning, peel and slice 2 carrots into thick rounds and chop 1 onion into large chunks. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth to the dish.
  4. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the same pot, using the residual oil and beef drippings to sauté until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, releasing its aromatic sweetness.
  5. Add the carrot slices to the pot with the onions, stirring occasionally until the carrots begin to soften and their edges start to caramelize. This should take about 3-4 minutes, enhancing their natural sugars.
  6. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in 500 ml of water, ensuring the beef and vegetables are just submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors meld together.
  7. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the beef to braise slowly. Cook until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the liquid has reduced to a rich, flavorful sauce. This process should take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the beef cubes.
  8. Taste the braised beef and vegetables, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if necessary. Serve the Chinese Beef Pot 3 hot, accompanied by steamed rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, inviting everyone to share in this comforting home-cooked meal.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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