Tender Braised Beef
Braised Beef (Pá Niúròu) is an authentic Chongqing specialty. The cooking method is straightforward, producing a wonderfully tender texture that appeals to all ages. It is enjoyed in two stages: first the beef is eaten, then the remaining flavorful broth is used to cook hot pot ingredients. The dish features beef brisket and beef tendon, stir-fried with the pickled chilies and pickled ginger beloved in Sichuan cuisine. Here is a home-style version.
Ingredients
beef brisket
750g
beef tendon
250g
scallion
to taste
pickled chili
2 pieces
pickled ginger
3 pieces
Sichuan peppercorn
10 pieces
cilantro
1 piece
bay leaf
2 pieces
star anise
3 pieces
cinnamon stick
1 piece
ginger
to taste
garlic
to taste
Instructions
1
Step 1
Cut the beef brisket into chunks. Blanch in boiling water and set aside.
2
Step 2
Cut the beef tendon into pieces, then cook until tender in a pressure cooker. To achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you must use a pressure cooker for the beef tendon.
3
Step 3
Prepare all the ingredients. If you're a beginner and not familiar with mixing the sauce, I recommend buying pre-made braised meat seasoning from the supermarket – it's very convenient and tastes great.
4
Step 4
Add a generous amount of oil to the pot. Since we'll use the leftover broth for hot pot after eating the beef, we need extra oil. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir-fry all the aromatics until fragrant.
5
Step 5
Add one packet of pre-made braised meat seasoning. Stir-fry until red oil appears.
6
Step 6
Add the beef and stir-fry to combine.
7
Step 7
Pour in light soy sauce and dark soy sauce to season.
8
Step 8
Stir-fry the beef and seasonings until they are fully mixed and the beef is well-coated with flavor.
9
Step 9
Add more water than you normally would for braised dishes – the water level should be significantly higher. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours.
10
Step 10
Before taking the pot off the heat, add chicken bouillon and let the sauce reduce slightly.
11
Step 11
Top with cilantro. First finish eating the beef, then use the leftover broth to cook your favorite vegetables.
