Five-Spice Braised Beef with Star Anise and Ginger

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Richly flavored beef slow-braised in an aromatic five-spice broth with star anise and fresh ginger, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, vegetable oil, inch piece, sliced thin fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed.
  2. Step 2: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 2-inch sliced fresh ginger and 4 smashed garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder and 3 whole star anise, cooking for 30 seconds to release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, then add 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir well to coat the beef.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups water to just cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Spice Braised Beef with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Five-Spice Braised 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 Five-Spice Braised 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 Five-Spice Braised Beef with Star Anise and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Five-Spice Braised Beef with Star Anise and Ginger?

Chinese chinese 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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