Chinese Food

Introduction

Beef Paomo, a traditional dish originating from Shaanxi Province in China, is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender beef, shredded bread, and a rich broth. Traditionally, preparing Beef Paomo can be quite time-consuming, involving long hours of simmering the beef and preparing the bread. However, with a few clever shortcuts and modern cooking techniques, you can enjoy a quick and delicious version of this classic dish at home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Quick Beef Paomo, ensuring that you can savor this culinary delight without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let’s list down the ingredients you’ll need:

• For the Beef:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 cups beef broth (you can use store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for added flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional, for aroma)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Bread (Paomo):

  • 4-6 slices of Chinese steamed bread or any soft sandwich bread
  • Vegetable oil for frying

• For the Broth and Garnishes:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth (reserved from cooking the beef)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Pickled vegetables or pickles (optional, for garnish)
  • Chili oil or hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

2. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

   

3. Add the marinated beef cubes to the pot, stirring occasionally to sear the beef on all sides. This will help lock in juices and add a nice caramelized flavor.

4. Pour in the beef broth, making sure the beef is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful. If the liquid reduces too much, you can add more broth or water.

5. Once the beef is cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the beef from the broth using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Strain the broth to remove the spices and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread (Paomo)

1. Shred the Bread: Cut the Chinese steamed bread or sandwich bread into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also tear it into shreds if you prefer a more rustic look.

2. Fry the Bread: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shredded bread in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bread from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Broth and Assemble the Dish

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.

   

2. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder (if using), and chili powder. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.

3. Add Broth: Pour in the reserved beef broth, stirring to combine with the spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef cubes and the fried bread shreds to the simmering broth. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the bread absorbs some of the flavorful broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Serve the Beef Paomo

1. Garnish and Serve: Divide the Beef Paomo among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and pickled vegetables or pickles if desired. Drizzle with chili oil or hot sauce if you like extra heat.

2. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot. The combination of tender beef, crispy fried bread, and flavorful broth makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Tips and Variations

• Marinating the Beef: Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. If you have more time, you can marinate it overnight for even better results.

  

• Bread Choice: While traditional Beef Paomo uses Chinese steamed bread, you can use any type of soft sandwich bread as a substitute. For a healthier option, you can bake or toast the bread instead of frying it.

• Broth Enhancement: To boost the flavor of the broth, you can add a few more spices like cloves, cardamom, or even a small piece of orange peel.

• Serving Suggestions: Beef Paomo pairs well with pickled vegetables, pickles, or a side of steamed greens. You can also serve it with a dollop of chili oil or hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the mixture.

Conclusion

Making Quick Beef Paomo at home doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. By using clever shortcuts and modern cooking techniques, you can enjoy this traditional Shaanxi dish in less time while still preserving its authentic flavors. With tender beef, crispy fried bread, and a rich, flavorful broth, Beef Paomo is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family and friends or enjoying it as a solo dinner, this quick and delicious version of Beef Paomo is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the taste of traditional Shaanxi cuisine in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!