The four most avoided seasonings for beef stew are star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, and allspice because these seasonings will mask the fresh flavor that comes with beef.
Before stewing, it is recommended to blanch the beef first. Blanching the cut pieces of beef in boiling water removes blood and impurities, making the dish more refreshing and flavorful. Beef stew needs to be cooked slowly over a slow fire to allow the heat to be gentle and consistent. You can choose to use a crock pot or pressure cooker to keep the temperature constant. Avoid using high heat, as it may cause the beef to become mushy or too woody.
The duration of beef stewing needs to be adjusted according to the recipe or personal taste. Generally speaking, slow cooking for about 2-3 hours can make the beef crispy and delicious. Pay attention to the water replenishment during the stewing process. You can add enough water or stock beforehand to keep the beef completely soaked in water. Avoid drying out the beef due to insufficient moisture.
Precautions for buying beef
1, meat quality: when choosing beef, observe its meat quality, a good beef should have obvious texture and uniform distribution of intermuscular fat. Try to choose meat with some degree of red color, elasticity and glossy.
2. Color: Beef should be bright red or deep red in color, not dark red or black. Too dark a color may indicate that the beef is not fresh enough or has been stored for too long.
3, the smell: smell the smell of beef, it should be a normal beef flavor, no odor. If there is an odor or fishy smell, it may indicate that the beef has deteriorated.
4, fat content: according to their own needs to choose the right fat content. Generally speaking, beef with moderate fat content is more tender and juicy, and if you like lean, you can choose parts with more lean meat.
5, parts of the choice: different parts of the beef taste and use different. For example, brisket is suitable for stewing, and steak is suitable for frying or grilling. Choose the right part according to your needs and recipes.