3 ½lbsbeef brisketcut into 1 ½ - 2 inch cubes (pre boiled and rinsed) see Step 1
5thin slices of ginger
1small onioncut in half
2star anise
2bay leaves
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonground black pepper
6-8cupswater *see notes
To make the Beef Pares:
2tablespoonscanola oil
1small onionfinely chopped
1teaspoongingerfinely chopped
4clovesgarlicminced
6tablespoonsbrown sugar
5tablespoonssoy sauce
1star anise
2 ½cupbeef brothfrom tenderizing the beef*
1 ½tablespoonscornstarch
1 ½tablespoonswater
salt and ground black pepperseasoning
Thinly sliced green onions as garnishoptional
Garlic Fried Ricerecipe link above
Instructions
Pre boil the beef: Add 8-10 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Put the beef pieces in and let boil (on medium heat) for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the meat in cold running water until there’s no more scum. Don’t omit this step to have a better broth.
Stovetop Method: Add all the ingredients (starting with the pre boiled beef) listed in the “To make the broth (and tenderize beef)”. Add 8 cups of water, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the floating scum then lower the heat and cook until the meat is tender. Then proceed to Step 4.
Instant Pot Method: Place all the ingredients (starting with the pre boiled beef) listed in the “To make the broth (and tenderize beef)” in the inner pot. Pour enough water until it reaches the No.8 line. Lock the lid (vent valve close) and set to Meat mode for 30 minutes. Allow the pressure to release for at least 15 minutes then carefully open the steam vent . Next, proceed to Step 4.
Set all the tender meat aside (in a bowl) and drain the beef broth in a smaller pot. Taste the broth and add salt and ground black pepper, if needed. This will be served with the Pares.
In a large pot, saute onion and ginger in oil then add the garlic. Put in the tender beef pieces and saute for a couple of minutes. Add in the brown sugar, soy sauce, star anise and 2 ½ cups prepared beef broth. Bring to a boil then combine cornstarch and water (in a small bowl) to make the slurry. Pour over the stew, stir and simmer for 2 more minutes. Adjust seasoning, if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions (if using) before serving.
Serve Beef Pares with garlic fried rice and a bowl of beef broth. Enjoy!
Notes
*Amount of water depends on the length of time needed to tenderize the meat, particularly using the stovetop method. Water level stays the same when cooked in the Instant Pot.