Beef and Daikon Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large daikon radish (approximately 1 kg / 2.2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- 2 liters (8 cups) beef stock or broth
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 5 g (1 tsp) sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic, stirring for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Return the seared beef cubes to the pot. Pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let cook for 1 hour.
Step 4: Add Daikon and Seasonings
Stir in the daikon rounds, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 1 hour, or until the beef becomes tender and the daikon is cooked through.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the stew is too thin for your liking, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve alongside steamed rice or rustic bread. Enjoy this hearty stew that is bound to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
Conclusion
Congratulations on preparing a rich and satisfying Beef and Daikon Stew! This dish encapsulates the joy of slow-cooked comfort food, with each ingredient contributing to a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a family meal or prepare it for a special gathering, this stew promises warmth and delight in every bite. Feel free to experiment with additional spices or vegetables to make this recipe truly your own. Enjoy sharing this delicious creation, and may it bring comfort and joy to your dining table.
