Central Asian-style Braised Meat

Ingredients

In this Central Asian adaptation, we incorporate traditional Central Asian spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika to infuse the meat with the flavors of the region. The cooking technique remains the same, with the meat slow-cooked to perfection. However, we adjust the ingredients to suit the Central Asian palate, using local spices and flavors to create a unique and delicious dish. We alse have the original recipe for Thịt kho tàu, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef or lamb, cut into chunks 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef or lamb, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the meat and onions, and stir well to coat.
4. 4.
   Add the soy sauce, vinegar, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
5. 5.
   Simmer the meat for 2-3 hours, or until tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Central Asian-style Braised Meat hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or lamb — Choose cuts that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or lamb shoulder. Trim excess fat before cooking for a leaner dish.
• Cumin, coriander, and paprika — Toasting the spices before using them will enhance their flavors. Simply heat them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them before adding to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the meat in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the meat from the pot once it's tender and simmer the sauce on high heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat to find your favorite. Each cut will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Central Asian-style Braised Meat with steamed rice or warm flatbread. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the rice or using as a dip for the bread. Add a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large platter, allowing the meat to be the centerpiece. The rich, dark sauce will create a beautiful contrast against the white rice or bread.