Spicy Beef Stew
Spicy Beef Stew Recipe - Authentic Vietnamese Dish
Introduction
Spicy Beef Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This recipe combines tender stewing beef with aromatic spices and a touch of heat from chili powder. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Beef stew has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe for Spicy Beef Stew draws inspiration from traditional Asian flavors, with the use of star anise, cinnamon, and yellow bean sauce. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish, making it a standout among other beef stew recipes.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp of oil
- 4 star anise
- 2 medium onions
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 10 green onions
- 0.5 tsp of whole peppercorns
- 1 stalk of lemon grass
- sugar
- 2 lb (907 g) of stewing beef
- 5 cups of water
- 0.33 cup of yellow bean sauce
- 1 tsp of chili powder
How to prepare
- Combine all the ingredients to make a mixture, then heat them in oil until boiling.
Variations
- Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the stew for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute chicken or pork for the beef for a different twist on this recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For best results, sear the beef before adding it to the stew. This will help to lock in the juices and create a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Be sure to simmer the stew on low heat for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Beef Stew over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Cooking Techniques
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the stew slowly and evenly.
- Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute soy sauce for yellow bean sauce if unavailable.
- Use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Spicy Beef Stew in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this Spicy Beef Stew with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the stew.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
10g per serving
Fats
15g per serving
Proteins
30g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This stew is rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy (yellow bean sauce) and wheat (if served with noodles or bread).
Summary
This Spicy Beef Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious option for a hearty dinner.
Summary
Spicy Beef Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its aromatic spices and tender beef, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying warmth of this hearty meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were in the bustling market, surrounded by colorful fruits and vegetables, when we stumbled upon a small stand run by an elderly woman. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile, and as we approached, she offered us a taste of her Spicy Beef Stew.
The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender pieces of beef, the spicy kick from the chilies, and the rich broth that warmed me from the inside out. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish. The kind woman gladly shared her recipe with us, and I carefully wrote down each ingredient and step in my tattered notebook.
From that day on, Spicy Beef Stew became a staple in our household. I would spend hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, searing the beef, and simmering the stew until it was rich and flavorful. My family would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first spoonful, and their satisfied smiles were all the reward I needed.
As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and adaptations along the way. I learned to balance the spices, adjust the cooking time, and experiment with different cuts of beef. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the kind woman who had introduced me to this wonderful dish.
I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who marveled at the complexity of flavors and the comforting warmth it brought on cold winter nights. I even entered a cooking competition once, where my Spicy Beef Stew took first prize and earned me a spot in the local newspaper.
But it wasn't just the taste of the stew that kept me coming back to this recipe time and time again. It was the memories it held, of my mother teaching me how to chop onions and brown meat, of the laughter and chatter around the dinner table, and of the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of simmering beef and spices, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It's more than just a dish - it's a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal I've ever made.
So as I take a spoonful of the steaming stew, savoring the flavors that have become so familiar to me over the years, I offer a silent thank you to the kind woman in the market who shared her recipe with a curious young girl. Without her, I wouldn't be the cook I am today. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Chili Powder Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Lemongrass Recipes | Onion Recipes | Star Anise Recipes | Stew Recipes | Vietnamese Meat Dishes | Vietnamese Recipes |