This Savory Butter-Braised Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. The beef is slow-cooked in butter and onions, absorbing the rich flavors of garlic, ground coriander, and black pepper. The dish is finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous note. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet it yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks that are packed with flavor. It’s an ideal dish to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Beef, cut into chunks – 1 kg (2 lb)
• Butter – 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Onions, sliced – 3 medium
• Water – 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
• Garlic, minced – 10 g (0.4 oz)
• Salt – 8 g (0.3 oz)
• Ground coriander – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Black pepper – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Parsley, chopped – 15 g (0.5 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Cut the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1-2 inches each. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help with browning later.
2. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef with a pinch of salt and black pepper, making sure to coat all sides. Set the beef aside to marinate slightly while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Melt the Butter: In a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, melt 100g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the sliced onions.
2. Cook the Onions: Sauté the onions for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and start to caramelize. The onions will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

1. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned beef chunks to the pan with the onions and garlic. Sear the beef on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until the meat is browned evenly. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
2. Add Ground Coriander and Black Pepper: Sprinkle 5g of ground coriander and 5g of black pepper over the beef and onions. Stir everything together to ensure the spices coat the beef evenly.

Step 4: Braise the Beef

1. Add Water: Once the beef is browned, pour 100ml of water into the pan. The water will help deglaze the pan, releasing all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir gently to combine everything.
2. Simmer the Beef: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and let the beef cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process will make the beef tender and flavorful as it absorbs the rich butter and onion sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

1. Check for Doneness: After 1.5 to 2 hours, check the beef. It should be tender and easy to break apart with a fork. If the liquid has reduced too much during cooking, you can add a little more water to create a richer sauce.
2. Add Parsley: Once the beef is tender, stir in 15g of freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and beef.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Serve the Braised Beef

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the butter-braised beef and its savory sauce to a serving dish. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
2. Pairing Suggestions: This dish is best enjoyed with mashed potatoes, rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Cooking Tips:

• Browning the Meat: Don’t rush the browning process! Browning the beef properly on all sides adds depth of flavor to the final dish. If you overcrowd the pan, the beef will steam instead of sear, so work in batches if necessary.
• Deglazing the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze the pan by adding water and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. These bits contain a lot of flavor that will enhance the sauce.
• Slow Cooking for Tenderness: Cooking the beef slowly over low heat ensures that the meat becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the onions, garlic, and spices. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a pressure cooker to speed up the process, but slow braising will yield the best results.
• Make Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Feel free to make it ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Simply reheat gently before serving.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the braised beef in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 480-520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg

This dish is rich in protein and healthy fats, with moderate sodium levels. The onions and garlic add flavor and fiber, while the butter provides a creamy texture. Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast, short ribs, or even brisket. The key is to choose a cut that benefits from slow cooking to become tender and flavorful.

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture. Add them during the last hour of cooking to ensure they become tender but not mushy.

3. What can I use instead of butter? If you want a lighter dish, you can substitute some or all of the butter with olive oil. However, butter adds a rich flavor that pairs well with beef, so using a mix of the two is also an option.

4. How can I make this dish spicier? If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning when browning the beef. Alternatively, you can add fresh chili peppers or hot sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer the seared beef, onions, and other ingredients into a slow cooker after Step 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

Conclusion:

This Savory Butter-Braised Beef with Onions and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting family meal. The combination of tender beef, rich butter, and fragrant spices makes for a satisfying and hearty meal. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. With minimal ingredients and an easy slow-cooking process, it’s a perfect recipe to prepare for a cozy dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy!