Deliciously Tender: Slow-Cooked Beef Braised Recipe
As a food enthusiast, I believe that there is an irresistible allure to the aroma of a perfectly braised beef dish. The process of slow-cooking, with each layer of flavor seeping into the meat until it is fall-apart tender is simply divine. And when it comes to selecting the perfect ingredient for your beef braised dish – what could be better than sweet white wine?
In this recipe, we’re going to explore how sweet white wine can take your beef braised dish to another level. Whether you’re looking to add an element of complexity to your dish or want to up your culinary game, look no further than my Beef Braised in Sweet White Wine.
Braising beef in sweet white wine adds a layer of depth and complexity that balances out the beef’s natural flavor with fruity and slightly acidic undertones. In this recipe, we’ll be using a mix of boneless beef chuck and brisket along with carrots, garlic, onions, and star anise, all combined with the sweet white wine sauce to make a delicious meal.
So let’s raise our glasses and start cooking! With this recipe, you’ll have a beautiful and mouthwatering dinner that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a dish that will satisfy both your taste buds and your longing for comfort? Look no further than this Sweet White Wine Braised Beef recipe!
Braising is the perfect cooking method for tougher cuts of beef, like brisket or boneless chuck, as it yields perfectly tender and moist results. This dish instantly transports you to your happy place with its deep, rich flavors, making it an ideal comfort food option on chilly winter nights.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of sweet white wine. The wine’s light-medium intensity perfectly balances the beef’s bold flavor without overpowering it, making it an ideal pairing for a variety of different entrees.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also quick and easy to make. Simply add the ingredients to a pot or slow cooker, let them cook low and slow for several hours to bring out all the flavors, and voila! You’ll have a delicious meal that looks like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day.
Plus, this braised beef can be easily adapted to suit your needs. Swap out beef short ribs for the brisket or chuck if you prefer a different cut of meat. You could also try adding some star anise or other spices to infuse additional flavor into the dish.
Overall, this Sweet White Wine Braised Beef recipe is not only hard to resist but impossible not to love. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Beef:
– 2-3 lbs beef brisket or boneless beef chuck
– Salt and black pepper (3 teaspoons of each)
Vegetables:
– 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 4 medium carrots, sliced into half-inch rounds
Olive oil:
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sweet white wine:
– 1½ cups sweet white wine (light-medium intensity)
Seasonings:
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– ½ teaspoon ground star anise
Optional Substitutions and Variations:
If you don’t have beef brisket or boneless beef chuck, you can use chicken breast, pork, beef ribs, beef short ribs, or beef tips.
For the sweet white wine, you can use any white wine of your choice. However, it’s important to use a light-to-medium-intensity wine to avoid overpowering the beef flavor.
Another option is to use red wine instead of white for a bolder flavor.
For the vegetables, you can also add potatoes, celery or other vegetables that you prefer.
As for the seasonings, some variations include adding fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to braise the beef in sweet white wine. Follow these steps to create the perfect wine-braised beef:
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless beef chuck or brisket
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sweet white wine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven.
- Add the beef to the pot and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until all sides are browned.
- Remove the beef from the pot and let rest on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the sweet white wine, and stir until well combined.
- Return the beef to the pot and add enough water to cover half of the meat.
- Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 3 hours (or until meat is tender).
- Take out of the oven, remove any fat that has settled on top of the sauce using a spoon.
- Using two forks, shred or slice horizontally across the braised beef while holding it down for stability.
Wine-Braised Beef Perfection
And voilà! You have now created a delicious braised white wine recipe that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of flavors from tender beef brisket and sweet white wine creates an intense umami flavor that can be a real crowd-pleaser. Serve the wine-braised beef on top of mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious wine sauce. Trust me; your mouth will water at the sight and taste of this dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with your sweet white wine braised beef recipe? Consider these substitutions and variations.
– Beef: This recipe calls for beef brisket or boneless beef chuck, but you can also use other cuts of beef such as short ribs, beef tips or even beef ribs.
– Oil: While the recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil, feel free to substitute with any neutral-tasting oil such as canola or vegetable oil.
– Wine: Sweet white wine is the star ingredient in this recipe, but if you prefer a deeper flavor, try substituting with red wine instead. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
– Vegetables: The recipe includes onions, garlic and carrots, but you can experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, celery or even potatoes. Just keep in mind that harder vegetables may require longer cooking times.
– Spices: If you’re looking to add more depth to your wine-braised beef, consider using warming spices like star anise or cinnamon. Just be careful not to overdo it as spices can easily overpower the dish.
– Meat alternatives: Want to switch things up? Instead of beef, try using pork or even chicken breast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat used.
Overall, substitutions and variations can spice up your braised sweet white wine recipe and bring new dimensions of flavor to your palate. Be bold and experiment until you find what best suits your tastes.
Serving and Pairing
This beef braised in sweet white wine is a showstopper when it comes to flavor, and it deserves to be served in style, with some carefully chosen side dishes that will complement its richness and depth.
As a main course, you can accompany the wine-braised beef with various options. My personal favorite is mashed potatoes; the velvety texture of the potatoes offers a nice contrast to the meaty and slightly tangy taste of the beef. You can also serve it with creamy polenta, roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans, or even rice.
When it comes to drink pairing, of course, you can’t go wrong with a glass of sweet white wine. The sweetness in the wine will bring out the natural succulence of the braised beef, while its light-medium intensity will not overpower it. Alternatively, you can choose red wine, especially if you prefer something more robust and full-bodied. Look for a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
As for non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade are great choices that offer enough acidity to pair well with the savory flavors of the beef without overwhelming them.
Regardless of your choices, make sure you serve this dish hot – every bite should be bursting with flavor!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared this mouthwatering sweet white wine braised beef recipe, you might find yourself with leftovers that are just as tasty as the original dish. If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, you’re in luck because it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freezer for up to two months.
To reheat, simply place the beef braised in sweet white wine into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much after being stored in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Storing and reheating this dish won’t compromise its flavor or texture; in fact, allowing it to sit overnight can enhance its taste. However, remember to reheat slowly over low heat, so as not to dry out the meat.
This recipe is also versatile enough to adapt with different proteins like chicken breast or pork, and with other cuts of beef such as ribs or beef tips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein that you will be using.
With these make-ahead and storing tips, you can incorporate this delectable wine braised beef into your weekly meal plans without adding any additional mess or stress.
Tips for Perfect Results
Braising beef in sweet white wine can be the perfect indulgence. The process of slow cooking meat to give it a full-bodied infusion of sweet flavors is unparalleled. However, there are a few crucial tips you need to know to ensure your braised beef recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, while any beef cut can be used for this recipe, boneless beef chuck or beef brisket work best as they retain their shape and texture better after slow cooking.
Secondly, seasoning plays a critical role in elevating the depth of flavors in the beef. Use salt and black pepper generously while seasoning the meat before cooking. Adding a dash of paprika or smoked peppercorns can add an extra layer of taste.
Thirdly, brown the beef properly before adding sweet white wine to obtain better color and texture. Searing the meat in hot oil brings out its flavor by creating small caramelized crusts on its surface that add complexity to the final dish.
Fourthly, adding vegetable aromatics like garlic, onions, and carrots along with wine adds a unique flavor profile to your dish. Be generous with these ingredients but ensure not to overcrowd since they may produce too much moisture that could dilute your sauce.
Fifthly, use quality sweet white wine that significantly complements the richness of the beef. Look for wines that balance acidity with the perfect amount of sweetness, light-medium intensity’ Sweet White Wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Grigio all work perfectly.
Lastly, stir gently while cooking and reduce heat for slow-cooking evenly. Braising is all about the slow simmering of liquid that melds together with other ingredients to create magical flavors. Covering the pan during cooking helps trap in steam which moistens and tenderizes tougher cuts of meat.
By following these simple yet crucial tips, I guarantee you will get stunning results with your braised sweet white wine beef.
FAQ
Before we conclude, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this beef braised in sweet white wine recipe a success.
Can I use white wine to braise beef?
When it comes to braising beef, using white wine can elevate the flavor to rival that of a red wine braise. The beefy taste really shines through while the wine provides a depth of flavor that complements the meat. To balance the richness of the dish, I suggest pairing it with a big, vibrant Greek salad. The crisp and fresh vegetables, combined with the tangy feta, provide a satisfying contrast to the hearty braised beef. As for the accompaniment, you can’t go wrong with classic options like rice or mashed potatoes.
What wine is best for braised beef?
When it comes to full-bodied wines, cabernet sauvignon is a top contender. This type of wine pairs exceptionally well with braised proteins like ribs. The braising process provides a tender texture to the meat while simultaneously enhancing the taste of the other ingredients. Plus, after braising, the leftover liquid can be used as an enticing glaze.
Can I use white wine instead of red for beef?
When it comes to beef stews, most of us are accustomed to using red wine. However, have you ever tried using white wine instead? It might just surprise you. Not only does white wine allow the flavor of the beef to shine, but it also lends a unique taste that red wine simply cannot replicate. In a popular recipe from the Provence region, a dry white wine is used to balance out the flavors of mustard and herbs.
How do you use sweet white wine?
When it comes to pairing wine with sour dishes, sweet white wines that have a high level of acidity, like Riesling, can really do the trick. These types of wines can be paired with vinegar-based sauces successfully. Sweet white wines have a medium intensity, making them an excellent match for light-to-medium meats, such as tofu. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you might enjoy wines that pair well with sweet sauces – specifically those that contain tamarind, sugar, and honey.
Do you use red or white wine for braised beef?
When it comes to braising meats or creating a delectable fish stew, the choice of wine can make all the difference. For beef, pork, or coq au vin, a richly flavored red wine is perfect. On the other hand, lighter white wines pair well with chicken dishes or fish stews. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, it is best to first place the protein in the pot and then add the chosen wine liquid.
Bottom Line
One thing that I know for sure is that once you try this delicious beef braised in sweet white wine recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion. This recipe is not only versatile and easy to make, but it also offers a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. So why not give this recipe a try?
In conclusion, with its tender, juicy, flavorful beef and delectable sauce, this beef braised in sweet white wine recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re entertaining a large group of friends or simply feeding your family dinner, this recipe is sure to deliver. And with the right pairing of sides and wines, you are bound to have a winning combination. Trust me; you don’t want to miss out on this dish!
Beef Braised in Sweet White Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 -3 lbs beef brisket or 2 -3 lbs boneless beef chuck
- salt
- black pepper
- 3 large onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 -3 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 cup sweet white wine
Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over med-high heat; wait a minute or so and when the oil is hot, add the beef.
- Brown the beef well on both sides, about 10 minutes, adjusting heat so the meat browns but does not burn.
- Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper as it browns.
- Transfer meat to a plate; decrease heat to medium.
- Add the remaining oil and vegetables to the skillet; stir once, then cover.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the onions are browned, dry, and almost sticking to the pan.
- Uncover, then add the wine and stir.
- Add in the meat and cover again.
- Adjust the heat so the mixture simmers steadily but not violently and cook until the meat is tender (this may be as short as 90 minutes or as long as 3 hours).
- Transfer meat to a cutting board; let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning; you should be able to taste the pepper.
- If the mixture is very thin (unlikely), boil it down for a few minutes, as needed.
- Carve the meat and serve it with the sauce spooned over it.