Ingredients:
- Beef蹄 (cleaned and prepared)
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil
- Ginger (sliced)
- Star anise
- Green onions (chopped)
- Sugar
- Red wine or chicken broth
- Rock sugar
- Black pepper and salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Clean and prepare the beef蹄 by removing any excess fat or impurities. Cut into appropriate-sized pieces for braising.
Step 2: Marinate the beef蹄 pieces with a little soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Step 3: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil and add the sliced ginger to release its aroma. Then add the star anise for a unique flavor profile.
Step 4: Place the marinated beef蹄 pieces into the pot and brown them on all sides. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the juices.
Step 5: Once the beef蹄 pieces are browned, add enough red wine or chicken broth to cover the meat. Make sure the liquid is hot before adding it to the pot to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 6: Add more soy sauce, rock sugar, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed during the cooking process to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 7: Cover the pot and let the beef蹄 slowly simmer on low heat for several hours, until it becomes tender and fully cooked through. Check periodically to ensure there is enough liquid in the pot and adjust the heat if necessary.
Step 8: Once the beef蹄 is tender and cooked through, sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and flavor. Serve hot with your choice of side dish or as a main course with rice or noodles.
Braised Beef蹄 is a traditional Chinese dish that requires patience and skill to perfect. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and follow the steps carefully to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends!
Additional Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution during braising.
- Consider adding other ingredients such as dried chilli peppers or Szechuan peppercorns for a spicier version if desired.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more soy sauce or salt if needed.
- Braised dishes are often served with a side of Chinese-style vegetables such as stir-fried green beans or broccoli with garlic sauce to balance the rich flavor of the meat dish. Consider serving your Braised Beef蹄 with these side dishes for a complete meal experience! Enjoy!