Szechuan Beef Stew
Submitted by kbc0124
Szechuan beef stew braises chunky beef chuck for two hours in a spiced soy sauce broth with red pepper flakes, fennel, cloves, and ginger until fork-tender. A warming, deeply savory one-pot dinner for six.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
120 minREADY
140 minThis isn’t your grandma’s beef stew. Two pounds of beef chuck get marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, then seared hard before braising for two hours in a broth that smells like a Szechuan spice cabinet.
Red pepper flakes bring the heat, crushed fennel seeds add a sweet anise note, and ground cloves and ginger round out the warmth. As the beef slowly breaks down, it soaks up every bit of that complex, savory liquid until the cubes practically fall apart at the nudge of a fork.
A quick cornstarch slurry at the end thickens everything into a glossy, clinging sauce. Serve it over steamed rice and let it warm you from the inside out.
Chef Tips
- Brown the beef in batches so you get a real sear on each piece. Crowding the Dutch oven creates steam, and steamed beef never develops that deep caramelized crust.
- Crush the fennel seeds yourself with the flat of a knife or a mortar and pestle. Pre-ground fennel loses its essential oils fast.
- The stew actually tastes even better the next day after the spices have had time to meld overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat.
Ingredients
Directions
Cut beef into 2 inch cubes.
Combine garlic, 2 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl; stir in beef cubes until well coated.
Let stand 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine 1 cup water, remaining 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoon sugar, red pepper, fennel, black pepper, cloves and ginger; set aside.
Heat oil in Dutch oven or large skillet over high heat.
Brown beef on all sides in hot oil.
Stir in soy sauce mixture.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours, or until beef is very tender.
Combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water; stir into beef mixture.
Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens, about 1 minute.
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