Soy-Braised Beef Brisket with Star Anise and Ginger

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

Slow-braised beef brisket simmered in a fragrant soy sauce broth with star anise and ginger, resulting in tender, richly flavored meat. This chinese ready in about 135 minutes pairs vegetable oil, inch piece, sliced ginger, smashed garlic cloves 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. 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 6 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef brisket chunks and brown on all sides for about 5-6 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2-inch sliced ginger, 5 smashed garlic cloves, 3 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 cut scallions to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups water to cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 2 hours until the brisket is tender and flavorful.
  5. Step 5: Remove the spices and scallions before serving the braised beef with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Braised Beef Brisket 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 Soy-Braised Beef Brisket 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 Soy-Braised Beef Brisket 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 Soy-Braised Beef Brisket 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 Soy-Braised Beef Brisket 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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