Braised Beef Brisket with Pumpkin (南瓜燘牛腩)

南瓜燘牛腩, or Braised Beef Brisket with Pumpkin, is a hearty and warming dish perfect for colder weather or whenever you're in the mood for something comforting. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the rich, savory flavors of the beef brisket, creating a delightful balance. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious meal.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients

For the Beef Brisket:

600 g beef brisket cut into chunks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 inch piece of ginger sliced
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves

For the Pumpkin:

500 g pumpkin peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Blanch the beef brisket chunks in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the blanched beef brisket and cook until the beef is browned on all sides.

Add Liquids and Simmer:

Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Add enough beef or chicken broth to cover the beef.
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.

Add the Pumpkin:

Once the beef is tender, add the pumpkin chunks to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender but still holds its shape.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The sauce should have a nice balance between savory and slightly sweet.

Serve:

Discard the star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Serve the Braised Beef Brisket with Pumpkin hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
This Braised Beef Brisket with Pumpkin is not only flavorful but also provides a comforting and satisfying meal. The pumpkin not only adds a natural sweetness and soft texture but also absorbs the rich flavors of the beef and spices, making each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy your cooking!