Braised White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger

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

Tender beef chunks slowly braised with aromatic star anise and fresh ginger, inspired by bold Chinese flavors. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, vegetable oil, fresh ginger, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 500 g beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes to develop a deep color.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 30 g sliced fresh ginger and 4 smashed garlic cloves, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 whole star anise, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 3 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
  6. Step 6: Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Taste and add salt as needed, then sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger 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 White Tiger Beef with Star Anise and Ginger?

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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