Chinese American Style Beef Stew

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of the Italian Sugo d'arrosto, we incorporate Chinese American spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The original Italian dish is typically made with red wine, tomatoes, and herbs, while our Chinese American version adds spices like ginger, garlic, and chili to create a bolder and spicier flavor profile. Additionally, we thicken the stew with cornstarch to achieve a thicker consistency commonly found in Chinese American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Sugo d'arrosto, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce 1 cup (240ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup (150g) carrots, sliced 1 cup (150g) carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) potatoes, diced 1 cup (150g) potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, diced 1 cup (150g) bell peppers, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish Chopped green onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the Chinese five-spice powder and chili flakes over the beef, stirring to coat evenly.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pot and stir until the stew thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. 8.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell peppers to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the Chinese American Style Beef Stew hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck — For the best results, choose well-marbled beef chuck as it will become tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
• Chinese five-spice powder — This aromatic spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the level of spiciness and flavor.
• Hoisin sauce — Look for a gluten-free hoisin sauce if you have dietary restrictions. It adds a sweet and savory element to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes.
• Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for a longer time to enhance the flavors.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Beef Stew hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a deep bowl to showcase the hearty chunks of beef and vibrant vegetables.