Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew combining tender beef chunks and crisp lotus root simmered in a savory Hunan-style broth rich with soy and spices. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck, vegetable oil, sliced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until well seared.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp sliced ginger, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 2 whole star anise, and 3 dried red chilies to the pot, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, coating the beef evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 oz peeled and sliced lotus root rounds to the pot, continue simmering uncovered for another 20 minutes until the lotus root is tender but still crunchy.
  6. Step 6: Remove the star anise and chilies before serving. Garnish with 2 chopped scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Hunan-Style Lotus Root and Beef Stew?

Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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