Jul 14 2026

Beef Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves4

Make Beef Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Beef and Marinade

Finishing & Garnish

Method

Beef and Marinade

  1. 1

    Marinate the beef

    In a large bowl combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt. Add the cubed beef and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours (30–120 minutes recommended for quick prep).

  2. 2

    Sear the beef

    Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (from marinade portion or extra) and working in batches so pieces are not crowded, sear beef cubes 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer seared beef to a plate and repeat until all beef is browned. Do not overcrowd — proper browning builds flavor.

Vegetables & Aromatics

  1. 3

    Sweat the aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and edges start to caramelize. Add the mushrooms and cook 3–4 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown. Stir occasionally to combine flavors.

  2. 4

    Deglaze

    Pour in the red wine (or 1/2 cup extra beef broth if not using wine) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Braising Liquid & Thickener

  1. 5

    Build the braise

    Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to remove raw taste. Return the seared beef and any collected juices to the pot. Add beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  2. 6

    Braise

    Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. Check every 30 minutes and stir; if liquid is rapidly evaporating, add up to 1/4 cup more broth.

  3. 7

    Thicken the sauce

    When beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. In a small bowl whisk the cornstarch with the cold water to make a slurry. Increase heat to medium and stir the slurry into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens to desired consistency.

Finishing & Garnish

  1. 8

    Finish and serve

    Stir in the butter until melted for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the stew. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

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