Lettuce and Chu Hou Beef Brisket (生菜柱侯牛腩)
This dish is an elegant fusion of tender beef brisket, crisp lettuce, and the complex flavors of Chu Hou sauce. It's often enjoyed as a comforting, home-cooked meal but is also elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Beef Brisket:
- 500 g beef brisket cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chu Hou Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons Chu Hou paste
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup beef broth or water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger minced
- 1 head of lettuce leaves separated and washed
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Green onions chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the beef brisket chunks for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities.
- Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and stir-fry until browned. Add Shaoxing wine and salt during the process.
- Prepare the Chu Hou Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the Chu Hou paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and beef broth or water. Set aside.
Simmer the Beef:
- Pour the prepared Chu Hou sauce over the browned beef in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
Prepare the Lettuce:
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the lettuce by separating the leaves and washing them thoroughly. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Lettuce:
- In another pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the lettuce leaves and stir-fry quickly until they just begin to wilt. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat.
Combine and Serve:
- When the beef is tender, arrange the wilted lettuce on a serving plate.
- Spoon the tender beef and Chu Hou sauce over the lettuce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or enjoy as is!
