Scottish Lemon Braised Beef

Ingredients

In this Scottish adaptation, the traditional Mexican Carne cocida en limón is transformed into a flavorful and comforting dish by incorporating Scottish ingredients and cooking techniques. The original dish's spices and flavors are replaced with the zesty freshness of lemons, which adds a unique Scottish twist. Additionally, the dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables, reflecting the culinary traditions of Scotland. We alse have the original recipe for Carne cocida en limón, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into chunks 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. 2.
   Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
6. 6.
   Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. 8.
   Allow the beef to braise in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily falls apart.
9. 9.
   Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve the Scottish Lemon Braised Beef with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon — Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them to capture the full flavor. Use organic lemons if possible for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef chunks in the lemon juice and zest for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Scottish Lemon Braised Beef with a generous spoonful of the flavorful sauce over the beef. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added freshness. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To present this dish beautifully, arrange the tender beef chunks on a serving platter and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top. Sprinkle some lemon zest and fresh herbs for an elegant touch. Serve with the side dish and garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra touch of citrus.