Shandong Braised Delights

About Shandong Braised Delights

Shandong cuisine, known as Lu cuisine, is one of the eight culinary traditions of China, boasting a rich history that dates back over 2,500 years. This style of cooking originated in Shandong Province, located in the eastern part of China. The cuisine is renowned for its diverse techniques, especially braising and quick-frying. One of its signature dishes, Shandong Braised Delights, reflects the region's preference for bold flavors and superior umami taste. This dish integrates various ingredients that are slowly braised to perfection, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic meal that captures the essence of Shandong's coastal and agricultural bounty.

Ingredients

• Beef - 500g, cut into cubes
• Shiitake mushrooms - 100g, soaked and halved
• Bamboo shoots - 100g, sliced
• Water chestnuts - 50g, peeled and sliced
• Ginger - 20g, sliced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, crushed
• Soy sauce - 4 tablespoons
• Oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Rice wine - 2 tablespoons
• Five-spice powder - 1 teaspoon
• Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Star anise - 2 pieces
• Cinnamon stick - 1 piece
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon, mixed with water
• Scallions - 2, chopped for garnish
• Water - 500ml

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients. Cut the beef into cubes, ensuring to trim off excess fat. Soak and halve the shiitake mushrooms. Slice the bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. Prepare ginger by slicing it thinly, and crush the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, rice wine, and five-spice powder. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and sear until each side is browned, which helps lock in the juices.

Step 2: Saute Aromatics

In the same pan, add ginger slices and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add star anise and the cinnamon stick to infuse the oil with their aromas.

Step 3: Braise the Components

Add shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts into the pan. Pour in water, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Sprinkle brown sugar, salt, and pepper as per your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Slow Cooking

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture braise slowly for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together. Use a cooking timer to ensure you do not overcook.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the beef is tender, remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes while stirring consistently.

Serving and Enjoyment

Transfer the braised delights to a serving dish, and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve hot with steamed rice or fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Shandong Braised Delights pairs well with a side of simple steamed greens to balance its rich flavors. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions, allowing you to share the essence of Shandong's rich culinary history with loved ones.