Braised Beef Brisket with Chinese Lettuce (绍菜牛腩)
绍菜牛腩, or Braised Beef Brisket with Chinese Lettuce, is a classic Cantonese dish beloved for its tender beef and flavorful broth. This dish combines succulent beef brisket with the crisp, refreshing taste of Chinese lettuce (also known as celtuce or asparagus lettuce). It's a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
For the Beef Brisket:
- 500 g beef brisket cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chinese Lettuce:
- 2 heads of Chinese lettuce celtuce, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Blanch the beef brisket in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef brisket and brown on all sides.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- Add the minced garlic, ginger slices, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine.
Simmer the Beef:
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Prepare the Chinese Lettuce:
- About 10 minutes before the beef is done, add the Chinese lettuce to the pot. Let it cook until just tender.
Finish and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with sesame oil.
- Serve the braised beef and Chinese lettuce hot, with some of the broth.
Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for additional flavor and color.
