Oriental Stew
A hearty, savory Oriental stew featuring tender cubed beef, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner with rich umami flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cubed round steaks in a heavy pan and stir until browned.
- Add beef broth and cook for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours until meat is tender.
- Steam broccoli, diced celery, and diced carrots until slightly crunchy.
- Dice green onions and add minced garlic.
- Add vegetables to the meat once tender, then sprinkle with soy sauce.
- Serve with fried rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the cubed round steaks in soy sauce and garlic before cooking. You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version. If you want more spice, add ginger or red pepper flakes. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance this dish, similar to other Chinese recipes you may enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
This stew pairs beautifully with fried rice, complementing the flavors and adding texture. You can also serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Consider garnishing with additional green onions or sesame seeds for presentation. This dish is reminiscent of Beef-N-Broccoli, making it a comforting choice for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to regain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Stew contains roughly 315 calories, with 12g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (209% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for the stew?
Yes, you can use cuts like chuck or brisket, which are also ideal for slow cooking. Just ensure they're trimmed of excess fat to prevent greasiness. These cuts will still provide the tenderness you need in the stew after the long cooking time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the cubed beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture and flavor, making it a delightful option for non-meat eaters.
What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?
If you don't have soy sauce, you can use tamari, which is gluten-free, or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. For a different flavor, a mixture of balsamic vinegar and water can also work, but adjust to taste since it's more acidic.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).