Spicy-Sweet Soy Braised Beef and a Satisfying Meal
Spicy-Sweet Soy Braised Beef and a Satisfying Meal
A Farewell Dinner for a Nephew Moving into a Dorm
Introducing a special dinner menu, prepared with care and warmth, for your nephew starting his dorm life. Featuring spicy-sweet soy-braised beef as the main dish, accompanied by nutritious perilla seed and seaweed soup, flavorful grilled fish, and a refreshing stir-fried smoked duck with vegetables! Support your nephew’s new beginning with a balanced and wholesome meal.
Essential Dorm Side Dish: Spicy-Sweet Soy Braised Beef- Hearty enough for dorm life! 600g beef (suitable cut for braising)
- Plenty of delicious broth base: 5 cups water
- For a fragrant aroma and reduced gamey smell: dried or fresh chilies, a few
- Adds a refreshing flavor! 1 large green onion (cut into large pieces)
- Flavor enhancer! Assorted spices (peppercorns, bay leaves, etc.), a few
- The secret to spiciness! 15 Cheongyang peppers (adjust to taste)
- Rich and deep flavor! 2 cups of beef broth from boiling
- Explosion of savory taste! 2/3 cup soy sauce
- Sweet and glossy finish! 4 Tbsp rice syrup (or corn syrup)
- Finishing touch of fragrance! A pinch of black pepper
Nutrient-Rich! Savory Perilla Seed Seaweed Soup- Makes a generous portion when rehydrated! 1 cup dried seaweed
- Deep-flavored base! 4 cups stock (anchovy and kelp stock)
- For an aromatic touch! 2 Tbsp mugwort powder
- The pinnacle of nuttiness! 3 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- Seasoning done right! 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- Last touch of fragrance! A little sesame oil
The Essence of Simplicity! Golden Grilled Fish- Hearty protein boost! 1 cleaned fish (mackerel, hairtail, etc.)
- For a golden sear: A little cooking oil
Fresh and Crunchy! Stir-Fried Smoked Duck with Vegetables- Full of flavor! 200g sliced smoked duck
- For color and crunch! 2 mini bell peppers (various colors)
- Sweetness and aroma! 1/2 onion
- A hint of spice! 2 Cheongyang peppers (optional)
- Savory base! 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Responsible for nuttiness and presentation! A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- Makes a generous portion when rehydrated! 1 cup dried seaweed
- Deep-flavored base! 4 cups stock (anchovy and kelp stock)
- For an aromatic touch! 2 Tbsp mugwort powder
- The pinnacle of nuttiness! 3 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- Seasoning done right! 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- Last touch of fragrance! A little sesame oil
The Essence of Simplicity! Golden Grilled Fish- Hearty protein boost! 1 cleaned fish (mackerel, hairtail, etc.)
- For a golden sear: A little cooking oil
Fresh and Crunchy! Stir-Fried Smoked Duck with Vegetables- Full of flavor! 200g sliced smoked duck
- For color and crunch! 2 mini bell peppers (various colors)
- Sweetness and aroma! 1/2 onion
- A hint of spice! 2 Cheongyang peppers (optional)
- Savory base! 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Responsible for nuttiness and presentation! A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- Full of flavor! 200g sliced smoked duck
- For color and crunch! 2 mini bell peppers (various colors)
- Sweetness and aroma! 1/2 onion
- A hint of spice! 2 Cheongyang peppers (optional)
- Savory base! 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Responsible for nuttiness and presentation! A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, pour 5 cups of water. Add the chilies, green onion, and spices to infuse the water with aroma, then bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the beef. This process helps tenderize the meat and remove any gamey odors.
Step 2
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the water has reduced by half. This allows the beef broth to deepen in flavor and concentrate. After simmering, remove the solids (chilies, green onion, spices) and set aside the flavorful beef broth.
Step 3
Pour the reserved 2 cups of beef broth back into the pot. Add the beef, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). The beef will cook and form the excellent base for the braised dish.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in 2/3 cup soy sauce, 4 Tbsp rice syrup for sweetness, 15 Cheongyang peppers for spiciness, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce becomes thick and glossy, coating the beef. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even seasoning.
Step 5
Once the braised beef is done, let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers for easy dorm meals. When ready to serve, place a desired amount in a bowl and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for both visual appeal and enhanced flavor. Complete a satisfying and hearty meal with a warm bowl of rice!
Step 6
Rehydrate the dried seaweed in cold water until soft, then cut it into large, bite-sized pieces. Lightly coat a pot with sesame oil and sauté the softened seaweed until fragrant.
Step 7
Pour 4 cups of pre-made anchovy and kelp stock into the pot with the sautéed seaweed and bring to a boil. Using stock will give the seaweed soup a much deeper and refreshing flavor.
Step 8
Season the soup with 2 Tbsp of anchovy sauce for a savory depth. Using anchovy sauce provides a richer, oceanic flavor compared to regular salt.
Step 9
Finally, add 2 Tbsp of aromatic mugwort powder and the ultimate creaminess: 3 Tbsp of perilla seed powder. Stir well to combine, and your nutrient-packed perilla seed seaweed soup is complete! Enjoy it warm for a comforting meal.
Step 10
Lightly brush the cleaned fish with cooking oil or add a generous amount of oil to a pan. Grill over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides, ensuring the inside remains moist. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of fish.
Step 11
Arrange the perfectly grilled fish attractively on a plate. The simple grilled fish will be an excellent accompaniment to the main dishes.
Step 12
Heat a pan and first stir-fry the sliced smoked duck until it releases some fat and becomes fragrant. Once the duck is partially cooked, add the mini bell peppers and onion for color and a crunchy texture. If you desire more heat, add the Cheongyang peppers and stir-fry together.
Step 13
Once the vegetables are slightly softened, quickly stir in 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce to enhance the flavor profile. Oyster sauce will further amplify the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the smoked duck.
Step 14
Transfer the stir-fried smoked duck and vegetables to a serving dish, arranging them attractively. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a visually appealing and delicious dish. This refreshing stir-fry will add vibrancy to your table.
Step 15
▲ A Beautifully Prepared Farewell Dinner for a Nephew
