Chinese cuisine

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty bowl of braised beef brisket with carrots. This classic Chinese dish is not only a flavorful combination of tender beef and sweet carrots, but it’s also a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. In this article, I’ll share a detailed and easy-to-follow recipe for braised beef brisket with carrots that will leave you and your family or friends asking for more.

The Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

• 5 kg (3.3 lbs) of beef brisket, cut into large pieces
• 500 g (1 lb) of carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 3-4 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups of water or beef broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

The Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

First, you’ll need to prepare the beef. Rinse the beef brisket pieces under running water to remove any excess blood or impurities. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Browning the Beef

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a little bit of oil (about 1 tbsp). When the oil is hot, add the beef pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them. Let the beef sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This process is called browning, and it helps to lock in the flavors and juices of the meat. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Aromatics and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if necessary. Add the crushed garlic and sliced ginger to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the star anise and cinnamon sticks and stir for another 30 seconds. This will release their aromas into the oil.

Step 4: Adding Liquids and Bringing to a Boil

Pour in the water or beef broth, followed by the soy sauces, sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The liquid should come halfway up the beef pieces. If you’re using beef broth instead of water, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce accordingly to avoid an overly salty taste.

Step 5: Simmering the Beef

Return the beef pieces to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add more liquid if the sauce starts to evaporate too much.

Step 6: Adding Carrots

After 2 hours of simmering, add the carrots to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot and let it cook for another hour or until the carrots are tender and the beef is fully cooked through. You can test the doneness of the beef by piercing it with a fork; it should be tender and easy to pierce through.

Step 7: Thickening (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the braising liquid and let it cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens to your liking. Be careful not to over-thicken it as you can always add more liquid if needed.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Serving

Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the whole spices (star anise and cinnamon sticks) from the pot to avoid a bitter taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Finally, transfer the braised beef brisket with carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or over noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

• Patience is key: Braising takes time, but it’s worth it for the tender, flavorful results. Don’t rush the process or skip steps; every minute of simmering contributes to the final flavor.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning or sticking.
• Seasoning matters: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as you cook and adjust seasonings accordingly. The flavors will mellow and deepen as they cook together.
• Carrots timing: Add carrots at the end of cooking so they retain their sweetness and texture. If you prefer softer carrots, add them earlier in the cooking process.
• Serving suggestions: This dish is perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering. You can also freeze leftovers for later enjoyment! Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer.

In conclusion, braised beef brisket with carrots is a classic dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly delicious and comforting. By following this recipe and tips above, you’ll be able to create a dish that your family will love and come back for again and again! So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!