Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Chinese comfort cooking! This mouthwatering braised beef recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with hearty turnips in a rich, savory sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this dish promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 cups turnips, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and set aside. Peel and cube the turnips into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger and have all ingredients ready for use.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef chuck in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it braise for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 1 hour of braising, add the cubed turnips to the pot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the turnips are submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot again and continue to braise for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the turnips are cooked through.
- Once the cooking time is complete, taste the braised beef and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve the Chinese Style Braised Beef with Turnips hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat content helps create a rich, succulent dish.
- Searing Technique: When browning the beef, work in batches to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
- Low and Slow: The key to tender beef is patient braising. Keep the heat low and cook slowly to break down tough muscle fibers.
- Turnip Timing: Add turnips in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy while ensuring they're perfectly cooked.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid in the final stages of cooking to reduce and thicken it.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious braising liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
