Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chinese Style Pot Roast?
It is a rich, comforting dish that marries tender pot roast with fragrant Chinese spices like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 10 and 12 people.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features a savory profile with prominent notes of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Chinese five spice powder.
How long should the roast be marinated?
The roast should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
What type of meat is recommended?
A 4 to 5 pound high-quality boneless pot roast is recommended for this recipe.
What vegetables are cooked with the roast?
The recipe includes medium potatoes, carrots, and a medium onion.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the pan juices until thickened.
Can I substitute the sherry wine?
If you do not have sherry, you can use dry vermouth or beef broth as a substitute.
What is Chinese five spice powder?
It is a spice blend typically containing star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 208 calories per serving.
How long is the total simmering time for the meat?
The meat simmers for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes (2 hours alone and 30 minutes with vegetables).
What should I serve with Chinese Style Pot Roast?
It pairs beautifully with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy.
Is this recipe considered a slow cooking method?
Yes, it uses a slow simmering process in a Dutch oven to ensure the meat becomes tender.
What size should I cut the potatoes?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into approximately 2-inch chunks.
Do I need to brown the roast before simmering?
Yes, browning the roast in canola oil for 5-7 minutes adds depth of flavor to the dish.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of peeled and minced gingerroot.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it contains soy sauce which usually has wheat. You can use tamari to make it gluten-free.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe requires one garlic clove to be minced and mixed into the spice rub.
What type of oil is used for searing?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but frozen can be used if added during the final 30 minutes.
How much water is added for the simmering liquid?
One and a half cups of water are added to the pot for simmering.
What is the purpose of browning the meat?
Browning creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor and color of the roast and gravy.
When do I add the green onions?
The sliced green onions are added at the very end when thickening the gravy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, pot roast often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 10g of fat per serving.
What kind of sugar is used in the marinade?
Two tablespoons of brown sugar are used to add a touch of sweetness and help with caramelization.
Do I cook this on high or low heat?
After bringing to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low to simmer the roast.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 17g of protein.
Can I use a bone-in roast?
The recipe calls for boneless, but a bone-in roast can be used; just adjust the cooking time as it may take longer.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was originally featured in the 'America's Best' collection.