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Thai-Inspired Braised Beef with Lemongrass and Coconut Cream

A mouthwatering dish featuring tender beef braised in aromatic lemongrass and rich coconut cream, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
  • 1 can coconut cream (14 oz)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 inches ginger, sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce Adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Slice your ginger and smash the lemongrass to release its aromatic oils.
Cooking
  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them on all sides until browned (about 5 minutes). This step is crucial as it locks in flavor.
  2. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the coconut cream, fish sauce, and beef broth. Add the smashed lemongrass and brown sugar. Stir everything to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it braise for about 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and infused with flavor, stirring occasionally.
Finishing
  1. Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from heat. Discard the lemongrass and garnish your dish with fresh cilantro.
Serving
  1. Enjoy the beef on its own or with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Notes

For beef substitutions, use any cut suitable for braising, like brisket, and adjust cooking time. Make sure to not rush the braising process to allow for maximum flavor development.