Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef

Ingredients

In this Hubei-style adaptation of Barbacoa, we incorporate Hubei-specific spices and flavors to create a unique and distinct dish. The original Mexican Barbacoa is traditionally made with beef, but the Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef adds a variety of aromatic spices such as Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and star anise to infuse the dish with a spicy and fragrant flavor profile. The slow cooking method is also a key difference, allowing the flavors to develop fully and the beef to become tender and succulent. We alse have the original recipe for Barbacoa, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 dried chili peppers, crushed 2 dried chili peppers, crushed
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish Chopped green onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef chuck roast to the pot and sear on all sides until browned.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Sichuan peppercorns, crushed dried chili peppers, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Mix well to create a marinade.
4. 4.
   Pour the marinade over the beef chuck roast in the pot. Add the beef broth and brown sugar. Season with salt to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. 6.
   Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
7. 7.
   Return the shredded beef to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before using to enhance their flavor.
• Dried chili peppers — Adjust the amount of crushed chili peppers according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Shaoxing wine — If you can't find Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar.
• Beef chuck roast — Choose a well-marbled cut of beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Cinnamon stick — If you don't have a cinnamon stick, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of ground white pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed chili peppers.
• Serve the Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef with a side of pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color. The dish pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the beef.

Presentation advice

Present the Hubei-style Slow-cooked Beef in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant red sauce to be showcased. Arrange the shredded beef on top and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles on the side for a complete and visually appealing presentation.