Chinese Braised Beef in Soy Sauce with Spices

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700g) beef brisket or stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 slices fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 green onions, cut into sections
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tbsp rock sugar or brown sugar
• 2–3 star anise
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, and green onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

2. Add beef chunks and sear until browned on all sides.

3. Stir in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.

4. Add star anise, cinnamon stick, and enough water or broth to just cover the beef.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

6. Uncover and simmer an additional 10–15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Adjust salt to taste.

7. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving, if desired.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine for 30 minutes before cooking
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal
• Can be made ahead and reheated — it tastes even better the next day
• Add daikon or carrots during simmering for extra texture and nutrition