Soy-Braised Beef with Daikon Radish & Carrots
- Oct 19, 2025
- 1 min read
This is a traditional Chinese-style beef stew that's super easy to make and tastes great, especially over steamed white rice. Daikon radish is a typical component, but turnips are a perfectly acceptable substitute (less pungent/bitter-spicy than the daikon). My non-traditional additions are the tomatoes and onion - both I think add an extra touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to this dish.
Searing the Beef
Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.
Mushroom Duxelles
Cook the mushrooms until all moisture evaporates to prevent soggy pastry. Aim for a thick, paste-like consistency.
Puff Pastry Handling
Keep the puff pastry cold to avoid softness. Chill if it becomes too soft, and score the top lightly without cutting through.
Notes
1
Heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and red chiles, and stir-fry for a couple minutes until fragrant.
2
Add the beef and cook for several minutes until lightly browned. Stir in soy sauce, rice wine and sugar.
3
Add 8 cups water, star anise, cilantro stems, scallions, onion, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
4
Add the carrots and turnips. Cover and simmer another 30 minutes or until veggies are tender. Skim off any foam on top.
5
Bring stew up to a boil over high heat. Mix together 2 tbsp water and 2 tbsp of cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir into the stew and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
6
Serve the stew over steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Instructions
3 tbsp vegetable oil
10 cloves garlic peeled & smashed
6 slices ginger
2 medium Fresno chilies seeded and halved
2 lbs beef cut into 2" cubes*
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine
2 tbsp sugar
8 cups water
2 star aniseseed
Stems from 1 bunch cilantro chopped
2 scallions cut into 2" sections
1 medium onion peeled & quartered
4 carrots peeled and cut into large dice
2 medium ripe tomatoes quartered
1 medium daikon radish peeled and cut into large dice
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp cornstarch
Cornstarch Slurry
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Soy Braised Beef with Daikon Radish & Carrots
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Prep Time
30 min
Cooking Time
2 hours
Rest Time
0
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
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