This dish is a beloved staple in Chinese households, where the richness of slow-braised beef brisket meets the subtle sweetness of potatoes and onions, all enveloped in a deeply flavorful and aromatic sauce. With a hint of spice and umami in every bite, this hearty meal is perfect for cozy family dinners, especially when served over a steaming bowl of fragrant white rice.
Key Ingredients:
Vegetable Oil (食用油):A neutral-tasting oil, such as soybean oil or a blended cooking oil, is used to sauté the seasoning and aromatics at the start. This step helps release their fragrance and lays the foundation for the dish’s bold flavor.
Yellow-flesh Potatoes (高淀粉黄心土豆): High-starch potatoes are chosen for their ability to absorb the rich braising liquid. As they cook, they soften and slightly break down, giving the dish its signature thick and velvety texture.
Beef Brisket or Short Plate (牛肋条/牛坑腩): These flavorful cuts of beef with a good amount of collagen become irresistibly tender when slow-cooked. Their richness complements the hearty sauce and pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Onions (洋葱): Sliced onions are sautéed alongside the aromatics, adding layers of sweetness and depth to the dish. As the onions break down during cooking, they enhance the richness of the sauce while keeping the overall flavors beautifully balanced.
Pixian Doubanjiang (郫县豆瓣酱 - Spicy Broad Bean Paste): This iconic Sichuan ingredient brings a bold kick of umami, spice, and savoriness to the dish. The fermented broad beans and chili peppers make it an essential foundation for the flavor profile.
Light Soy Sauce (生抽酱油): Contributes a mild, savory saltiness that enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Dark Soy Sauce (老抽酱油): Provides a gorgeous, rich caramelized color to the braising liquid.
Rock Sugar (冰糖): Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements.
Salt (食用盐): Adjusted to your taste for the final seasoning.
Aromatic Spices:
Cinnamon (桂皮): Infuses the dish with a warm and slightly sweet fragrance.
Star Anise (八角): Adds its iconic licorice-like, earthy aroma.
Dried Chili Peppers (干辣椒): Provides a gentle, smoky heat to enhance the complexity of the flavors.
With its combination of tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, and sweet, caramelized onions, this dish is a true celebration of slow cooking. Braising over low heat allows the ingredients to marinate in the richly spiced sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Serve this over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the layers of flavor, and don’t be surprised if your guests come back for seconds—or thirds! As with many braised dishes, this one tastes even better the day after, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
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