Food & Receipts

“The Ultimate Guide to Tender Beef Stew: A Time-saving, Delicious Recipe”

With this mouth-watering beef stew recipe, you're in for a treat! The tender beef chunks simmered in a rich tomato-based broth will have your taste buds dancing. It's a quick and easy dish that delivers on flavor and will leave you wanting more.

Administrator

20 August, 2024

Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce: A Pressure Cooker Recipe

Ingredients:

500g beef chuck roll
30ml red wine
1 carrot, 1 potato, 1 onion, 1 cinnamon stick, ginger, garlic
Seasonings: cornstarch, oil, beef stew seasoning, MSG, seasoning powder, salt, sugar, ground pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the beef

When you buy beef, start by rubbing it with salt, then rinse it after 5 minutes and let it air dry. Cut the beef into square blocks that are about 2 finger lengths; this ensures the pieces are bite-sized after stewing.

Step 2: Prepare the other ingredients

Wash and dice one tomato. Peel and cut the onion into wedges. Peel and mince 4 cloves of garlic, dividing it into two portions. For the ginger, you’ll need a small knob, which should be peeled and minced. Finally, peel and cut the carrot and potato into bite-sized pieces.

How to cook beef stew in red wine sauce — A delicious and flavorful beef stew

Step 3: Marinate the beef

In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon each of MSG and seasoning powder. Add 1/2 tablespoon each of salt and ground pepper, along with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 5g of beef stew seasoning. Mix in half of the minced garlic and ginger, then use plastic wrap to cover the bowl and let it marinate for about an hour. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 4: Cook the beef stew

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add half of the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss in the beef and sear it on high heat for about 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine and add the diced tomato, cooking for another 2 minutes before turning off the heat. Transfer everything to a pressure cooker, adding 1/2 tablespoon of salt, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 700ml of water. Close the lid and cook for about 20 minutes.

After 20-25 minutes, release the pressure and add the potatoes and carrots. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 30ml of water until smooth, then pour this into the cooker. Secure the lid again and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Tasty beef stew in red wine sauce — Beef stew in red wine sauce

Step 5: Serve

Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time while retaining the delicious flavors and tenderness of the beef. The final dish should be aromatic and full of flavor, with tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Frequently asked questions

To make tender beef stew, you’ll need to follow a few key steps. First, choose the right cut of meat – chuck roast or round steak are ideal. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Coat the beef pieces in flour and shake off any excess. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the meat in batches to seal in the juices. Set the browned meat aside and lower the heat to medium. Add more oil if needed, then sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened. You can also add other vegetables like celery or potatoes at this stage. Return the meat to the pot and pour in enough beef broth to cover all the ingredients. To enhance the flavor, you can add a bay leaf, thyme, and a splash of red wine (optional). Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.

There are a few time-saving tips you can use when preparing beef stew. First, you can cut the meat and vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook more evenly and quickly. Second, instead of flour, you can use cornstarch to coat the beef pieces, as it tends to brown and thicken the stew faster. Additionally, you can opt for a pressure cooker, which significantly reduces cooking time while still producing tender meat. Simply follow the instructions for your particular model, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple serving suggestions. For a heartier meal, serve the stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. You can also offer a variety of toppings and garnishes, such as chopped fresh parsley, chives, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. To add a crunchy texture, serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast. Don’t forget to provide extra bowls of broth for those who prefer a soupier consistency.

Making beef stew in a slow cooker is incredibly convenient. Simply add all the ingredients (following the same preparation steps as the traditional method) into the slow cooker, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The stew is ready when the meat is tender and falls apart easily. This method is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, comforting meal.

Yes, beef stew is one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day! You can easily make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also freeze beef stew for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.