Soy Braised Beef Cooking With Lei Food

BRAISED BEEF IN HONEY & SOY

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole or sauté pan, then spend a good 10 mins browning the meat well on all sides.
• Scatter the vegetables, thyme, coriander seeds and cloves in amongst the meat and continue to cook over a high heat for 10 mins until browned.
• Pour over the Sherry vinegar, soy sauce and Madeira, and drizzle over the honey. Stir everything together, then reduce over a high heat until it's sticky and syrupy and the meat is coated really well. Stir in the tomato purée.
• Pour over the stock and bring to the simmer. Stir, then taste and lightly season with salt accordingly (it may not need any as the soy is already salty). Cover the pan and place in the oven for 2½-3 hrs, stirring once or twice, until the meat is really tender. Remove the meat to another pan or container. Boil the sauce for 10 mins until sticky, then strain it over the meat.
• About 20 mins before serving, drizzle the bok choi with half the oil and the soy sauce and dust with the icing sugar. Grate over a little of the ginger, then toss well until completely coated.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan, add the bok choi and cook until the sugar coating starts to caramelise. Pour in the stock and simmer for 5 mins until tender. Reheat the mash and the beef. You are now ready to serve.
• Lift the meat out of the sauce and carve into thick slices. Place a large spoonful of mash on the side of each plate. Lay a few slices of meat on the mash. Sit two bok choi quarters on the other side of the plate and spoon over the sauce.

BRAISED BEEF WITH RADISH OR TURNIPS

Steps:

• Cut the beef into cubes about 1 - 1 1/2 inch thick. Peel the radish or turnips and cut into cubes about the same size. (If using regular radishes, peel and thinly slice).
• Combine the dark soy sauce, rice wine or sherry and green onion in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large pot on medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and then the beef. Cook for 4 - 5 minutes to brown the beef, turning it over at least once.
• Stir in the soy sauce mixture and allow to cook for a minute. Add the water and bring to a boil. (Add the pepper at this time if using). Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour (in simmering the temperature is just below the boiling point).
• Add the radish and stir in the sugar. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, add more pepper and/or salt if desired.