Asian Braised Beef

Introduction

Few dishes captivate the palate quite like Asian Braised Beef. Richly savory, laced with aromatic spices, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, this recipe is a surefire way to wow family or guests. It’s the perfect choice for anyone craving vibrant flavors and a comforting meal that feels restaurant-worthy, yet is simple to make at home.

Slow-braised in a fragrant sauce, the beef soaks up a depth of flavor that gets better with every bite—making it a true crowd-pleaser any night of the week.

Why Asian Braised Beef Is a Must-Try

The magic of Asian Braised Beef lies in balancing bold flavors: soy, ginger, garlic, star anise, and a touch of sweetness. As the beef gently simmers, it transforms into a succulent, tender masterpiece, perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles. Plus, the leftovers taste even better, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping or special gatherings.

Key Flavor Elements and Ingredient Prep

The hallmark of this dish is its aromatic, umami-rich braising liquid. Begin by chopping your aromatics: onions, carrots, and celery. For perfect, uniform cuts that cook evenly, a quick chop with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves valuable prep time.

Sear the beef until perfectly browned (which locks in those savory juices) using a wide, heavy skillet for even heat—such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. The braising sauce comes together quickly with soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, ginger, star anise, and garlic, all simmered until fragrant.

Braising to Perfection

Transfer the seared beef and aromatics to a Dutch oven or a multi-function cooker like the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart for a set-it-and-forget-it experience. After a low and slow cook, the beef emerges fork-tender and drenched in flavor, ready to be shredded or sliced.

Serving and Storing Your Asian Braised Beef

Spoon the rich beef over freshly cooked rice, noodles, or a bed of flash-cooked greens. Any leftovers can be efficiently stored in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 to keep them tasting fresh for days to come.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe generously serves 6, with each portion delivering around 350–400 calories (depending on cut and side dishes). It’s high in protein and packed with nutrients from the vegetables and spices—ideal as a wholesome comfort meal.

Asian Braised Beef (Recap)

With its tender texture and layers of bold flavor, Asian Braised Beef is a versatile, impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to create at home. A few key tools help streamline prep and maximize flavor, elevating this recipe to true dinner star status.

Instructions

1. Pat the beef cubes dry and season with pepper. In a wide skillet such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, heat oil over medium-high and sear the beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery (using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper if desired for quick prep). Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Return the beef to the skillet (or transfer all to your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart or Dutch oven). Add soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, star anise, vinegar/sherry, and hoisin sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. If using a Dutch oven, cover and braise in a 325°F oven for 2.5–3 hours, or simmer covered on the stovetop over low heat for the same amount of time. In a pressure cooker, cook on “Meat/Stew” setting for 45 minutes, then natural release.
5. Remove star anise and ginger slices. Skim excess fat, then adjust seasoning if needed. Shred or slice beef as preferred.
6. Ladle over cooked rice, noodles, or greens. Garnish generously with scallions.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker)
Total Time: About 3 hours (including cooling/serving)

Enjoy the deep, savory satisfaction of Asian Braised Beef—a dish destined to become a beloved favorite!