spicy beef recipe

How to Make Spicy Braised Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spicy braised beef, a beloved Chinese dish, boasts tender meat and a rich, aromatic sauce. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 500g beef brisket, 3 bay leaves, 5 star anise, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 dried chili peppers, 5 slices ginger, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp sugar, and enough water to cover the beef.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beef: Rinse the brisket and cut into 3cm cubes. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, and dried chilies until fragrant.

3. Braise the Beef: Add the beef, bay leaves, star anise, and cinnamon. Pour in soy sauces, cooking wine, and sugar. Stir to coat evenly.

4. Simmer: Add water until the beef is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Uncover and increase heat to reduce the sauce until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Serving: Let the beef cool in the sauce to enhance flavor. Serve warm with rice or as a snack. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, with flavors deepening over time. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy!