Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass
A hearty beef stew slow-simmered with tangy tamarind and aromatic lemongrass, capturing the essence of Laotian comfort cuisine. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, large onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 stalks lemongrass stalks, bruised and chopped
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 chopped bruised lemongrass stalks; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return the beef to the pot and add 4 cups water or beef broth, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove lemongrass stalks before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 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 Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass?
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 tamarind paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass?
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 Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass 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 Slow-Cooked Laotian Beef Stew with Tamarind and Lemongrass?
Asian 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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