Chinese Braised Beef with Beef & Vegetables
Introduction
Tender beef, rich savory sauce, and comforting vegetables come together in this delicious Chinese Braised Beef with Beef and Vegetables. Beef chuck is slowly braised with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, and aromatic spices until wonderfully tender. Carrots and potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce, making this a hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
Rich and flavorful Chinese-style sauce
Hearty carrots and potatoes
Deep savory and slightly sweet flavor
Perfect for family dinners
Delicious served with rice or noodles
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 slices fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 green onions, cut into sections
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
2 tablespoons rock sugar or brown sugar
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
3 cups beef broth or water
2 large carrots, cut into chunks
2 potatoes, cut into chunks
Instructions
1. Place the beef in cold water and bring it to a boil. Cook for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and rinse.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the ginger, garlic, and green onions. Stir until fragrant.
5. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
6. Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. Add the carrots and potatoes.
9. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Remove the star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
11. Garnish with sliced green onions.
12. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
Beef chuck is ideal because the connective tissue becomes tender during slow braising.
Searing the beef before braising adds deeper flavor.
Dark soy sauce provides color and richness, while regular soy sauce adds seasoning.
Rock sugar creates a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
For the best texture, avoid boiling the beef too aggressively during the long braising stage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chinese braised beef with steamed jasmine rice, egg noodles, steamed vegetables, or simple stir-fried greens. Spoon plenty of the rich sauce over the rice for an especially delicious meal.
Conclusion
Chinese Braised Beef with Beef & Vegetables features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful sauce infused with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.