2poundsboneless chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubeswell marbled
2tablespoonsminced ginger
1tablespoonminced garlic
3tablespoonsfish sauceI use Red Boat brand
2tablespoonscoconut aminos
1teaspoon5 spice powder
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonpepper
Beef stew broth
4cupschicken stock
2cupswater
1poundcarrots, peeled and cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces
½onion, sliced
3tablespoonstomato paste
2star anise pods
2stalks lemongrass, cut into thirds and smashed
Optional garnish
1lime, cut into wedges
cilantro leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cut beef into 1 inch cubes. Trim excess fat. Season with garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, coconut amino and fish sauce.
Peel and discard outer dry layers of the lemongrass. Trim the end of the lemongrass with a sharp knife. Then cut into thirds. Use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin and smash the lemongrass to bruise it. Set aside.
Add oil to a stock pot or dutch oven and heat on high. When hot, add the meat in a single layer, do not crowd. Cook in two batches to ensure a brown sear on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Take the meat out and set aside.
Add more oil as needed. Add onion and saute for 4-5 minutes on medium high heat until soft. Then add lemongrass, star anise and saute until fragrant about 3-4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste.
Add 1 cup chicken broth to the pot. Scrape off bits of the brown meat bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Add remaining 3 cups chicken broth, 2 cups filtered water, star anise and bay leaf. Take to a boil on high heat.
Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
Remove lid and skim the fat and scum from top of the stew with a ladle.
Add the cut carrots and simmer on low heat with the lid on until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.
Remove lid and skim any fat and scum from the top of the stew. Spoon the carrots out and increase heat to medium high. Take the stew to a rolling boil to reduce it, about 30 minutes.
When done, remove the lid and skim any scum off the top of the stew.
Discard pieces of lemongrass, star anise and bay leaf.
Optional garnish with cilantro, pinch of salt and pepper and a squeeze of lime.
Serve with a side of toasted french baguette.
Notes
After reducing the stew, the stew is packed full of flavor. If needed, add additional coconut aminos for a bit more sweetness or fish sauce for more saltiness. Adjust to your taste.