Gourmet Braised Beef with Shiitake Mushrooms & Pearl Onions
Indulge in this beautifully crafted dish where tender beef stews leisurely with earthy shiitake mushrooms and delicate pearl onions. Smoothed with a hint of coffee and caramelized brown sugar, every bite promises deep, enriched flavors, designed for a soothing and elegant dining experience over mashed potatoes or fresh egg noodles.
7
Servings
350
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
oyster mushrooms
1/2 lb (clean if needed)
butter
1 tablespoon
olive oil
3 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons
salt
1 teaspoon
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces)
brewed coffee
1 cup
water
3/4 cup
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
fresh thyme
3 sprigs ((or 1 tsp dried))
bay leaves
2
dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons
baby carrots
2-3 cups
peeled white pearl onions
2-3 cups
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
If using shiitake mushrooms, clean them and remove the stems. For other mushrooms, simply clean them. If large, slice them thickly.
2
In a large Dutch oven or wide saucepan, melt the butter and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the mushrooms and sauté until tender, about three minutes. Remove them to a bowl and set aside.
4
Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the beef cubes and toss until lightly coated with the flour mixture.
5
In the same pan used for the mushrooms, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown half of the beef cubes on all sides and transfer them to a large bowl. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding extra oil if necessary.
6
Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pan.
7
Add the brewed coffee, water, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and oregano.
8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer.
9
Cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly tender.
10
Add the baby carrots and peeled pearl onions. Continue simmering gently, stirring occasionally, for about 30 more minutes, until the beef is very tender.
11
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
12
Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
13
Serve the beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or al dente egg noodles, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
14
To peel pearl onions easily: Boil unpeeled onions for one minute, drain, and plunge into cold water. Cut off the root end and squeeze gently to pop the onion out of its skin.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
13g
Carbs
26g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
400mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cooking method for this gourmet beef dish?
The dish uses a slow-braising method in a Dutch oven or wide saucepan to ensure the beef becomes tender and flavors meld together.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces.
How many servings does this braised beef recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 7 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Why is brewed coffee included in the ingredients?
Brewed coffee is used to add deep, enriched flavors and a layer of earthy complexity to the braising liquid.
Can I use mushrooms other than shiitake or oyster mushrooms?
Yes, while the recipe highlights shiitake and oyster mushrooms, you can use any mushroom variety you prefer; just clean and slice them as needed.
What is the secret to peeling pearl onions quickly?
Boil unpeeled onions for one minute, drain, plunge into cold water, cut off the root end, and gently squeeze to pop them out of their skins.
How long does the beef need to simmer before adding vegetables?
The beef should simmer covered for 90 minutes before you add the baby carrots and pearl onions.
What purpose does coating the beef in flour serve?
The flour helps brown the meat and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce as it simmers.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
You can remove the lid and simmer the stew for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to reduce and thicken the liquid.
What side dishes pair well with this braised beef?
It is ideally served over creamy mashed potatoes or fresh al dente egg noodles.
What are the total fat and protein counts per serving?
Each serving provides 21g of fat and 26g of protein.
Are there any specific herbs used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and dried oregano leaves for a savory herbal profile.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, resulting in about 3g of sugar per serving.
How much sodium is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400mg of sodium.
When should the sautéed mushrooms be added back into the pot?
The mushrooms should be stirred back into the stew at the very end of the cooking process.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar provides a specific acidity, you could use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
Do I need to remove the thyme sprigs before serving?
Yes, it is generally recommended to remove the woody thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving the dish.
What is the amount of dietary fiber per serving?
This dish provides 2g of dietary fiber per serving.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play in the recipe?
Worcestershire sauce adds umami and saltiness to enhance the savory flavor of the beef.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 13g of carbohydrates.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
Can I use dried thyme if I don't have fresh sprigs?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for the 3 fresh sprigs.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil, used in stages for the mushrooms and the beef.
Is the beef browned all at once?
No, the beef should be browned in two batches to ensure even searing and to avoid crowding the pan.
How much water is added to the braising liquid?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of water in addition to the coffee.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped parsley or thyme makes for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
How much salt is used in the flour mixture?
One teaspoon of salt is mixed with the flour to season the beef cubes.
How many carrots are included in the stew?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of baby carrots.
How long do the vegetables cook inside the stew?
The baby carrots and pearl onions simmer with the beef for about 30 minutes.