How to cook braising steak quickly
When it comes to cooking delicious braising steak, many people assume that it requires a lot of time and effort. However, with the right techniques and knowledge, you can quickly prepare tender and flavorful braising steak that will be a hit at any meal. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you cook this classic dish in no time.
Choose the Right Cut: The first step to cooking braising steak quickly is to select the right cut of meat. Look for cuts that are labeled “braising steak” or “stewing steak”. These cuts are typically well-marbled and contain a good amount of connective tissue, which will help keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
Tenderize the Meat: To save time during the cooking process, consider tenderizing the meat before you cook it. Using a meat mallet or tenderizer, gently pound the steak to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. This will shorten the cooking time and result in a more enjoyable eating experience.
Preheat Your Cookware: Another tip for cooking braising steak quickly is to preheat your cookware. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or a Dutch oven, make sure it’s heated before adding the meat. This will speed up the cooking process and help seal in the flavors.
Quick and Easy Braising Steak Recipe
Looking for a simple and delicious way to cook braising steak? Look no further! This quick and easy recipe will have your mouth watering and your taste buds thanking you.
Ingredients:
- 500g braising steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 400ml beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or casserole dish. Add the braising steak and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pan and sauté until softened.
- Return the braising steak to the pan and add the beef stock, tomato puree, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the braising steak hot with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Enjoy this quick and easy braising steak recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty family meal!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking braising steak, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– | 1 kilogram of braising steak |
– | 2 tablespoons of cooking oil |
– | 1 onion, diced |
– | 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
– | 2 carrots, chopped |
– | 2 stalks of celery, chopped |
– | 500 milliliters of beef stock |
– | 2 tablespoons of tomato paste |
– | 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce |
– | 1 teaspoon of dried thyme |
– | Salt and pepper to taste |
Equipment:
- A large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A wooden spoon
- A measuring cup
- A can opener
Make sure you have everything ready on your kitchen countertop before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Sear the Braising Steak
Once you have prepped your braising steak, it’s time to start searing it. Searing the meat helps to enhance its flavor by creating a golden brown crust on the outside.
What you’ll need:
– Braising steak, preferably at room temperature
– Seasoning of your choice (e.g. salt and pepper)
– Cooking oil with a high smoke point (e.g. vegetable oil)
– Oven or stove with a hot pan
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven or heat a stove to a high temperature.
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Season both sides of the braising steak with the seasoning of your choice, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
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Add a small amount of cooking oil to a hot pan. Make sure the pan is hot enough to create a sizzling sound when the meat is placed in it.
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Carefully place the seasoned braising steak in the hot pan. Be cautious as the oil may splatter.
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Sear the first side of the steak for about 2-3 minutes or until it develops a golden brown crust.
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Using tongs or a spatula, flip the steak over to sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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If using an oven, transfer the seared braising steak to a preheated oven at a lower temperature (e.g. 150 degrees Celsius) to continue the cooking process. If using a stove, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the steak reaches the desired doneness.
Searing the braising steak not only creates a visually appealing crust, but also helps to lock in the juices that will keep the meat tender and flavorful as it continues to cook. Once seared, you can proceed to the next step of braising or continue cooking using your chosen method.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Liquids
Adding flavors and liquids is an essential step in cooking braising steak. It helps infuse the meat with delicious flavors and ensures that it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Ingredients:
1 onion, sliced |
2 carrots, sliced |
2 cloves of garlic, minced |
1 cup beef broth |
1/2 cup red wine |
2 tablespoons tomato paste |
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce |
Salt and pepper to taste |
1. Start by heating a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and then the sliced onions and carrots. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften and caramelize.
2. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the braising steak to the skillet. Brown it on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich crust and enhance its flavor.
4. Once the steak is nicely browned, pour in the beef broth and red wine. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to add depth of flavor to the dish.
5. Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste. These simple yet essential seasonings will elevate the flavors of the dish.
6. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. The liquids and flavors will mingle together and create a scrumptious sauce while the steak cooks.
7. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and let the steak simmer gently for 2-3 hours or until it becomes tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Now that you have added the flavors and liquids, your braising steak is ready to cook low and slow. The result will be a delicious and succulent meal that your family and friends will love!
Step 4: Cook the Braising Steak
Once the braising steak has marinated for at least 2 hours, it is time to cook it. Here is a quick and simple method to cook the braising steak:
1. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Carefully place the marinated braising steak into the hot pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for proper browning and cooking.
3. Let the braising steak cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely browned.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the steak continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness. For a tender and juicy steak, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.
5. Remove the braising steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more flavorful steak.
And there you have it! Delicious and quick-cooked braising steak that is sure to impress. Serve with your favorite side dishes or use it as a topping for sandwiches and salads. Enjoy!