Savor the Bold Flavor: Braised Beef in Espresso Recipe
Coffee and beef may seem like an unlikely pair, but trust me, the result is a match made in culinary heaven. Today, I will be sharing an extraordinary recipe that infuses two unique flavors into one dish: Braised Beef in Espresso.
This recipe takes the traditional beef stew to a whole other level with the addition of espresso coffee. The bold flavor of coffee compliments the richness of the beef and creates a depth of flavor beyond your wildest imagination.
Espresso braised beef not only tastes exceptional, but it also has a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Our slow-cooked tender beef cubes are perfect for a wholesome family dinner or for impressing guests at dinner parties.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting new way to spice up your beef recipe game or just craving something bold and flavorful to warm you up during chilly evenings, this Espresso Braised Beef recipe is just for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a coffee lover with a passion for hearty beef dishes, then our espresso braised beef recipe is sure to delight you. This recipe is the perfect combination of rich, flavorful coffee and succulent, tender beef that’s cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it yields a dish that’s savory, but not overly bitter or acidic. This is because we use high-quality espresso coffee that adds just the right amount of depth and richness to the dish without overpowering it with harsh flavors.
Plus, the ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment or exotic spices to make this dish; just some high-quality beef stew meat, a few veggies, and some pantry staples like flour, salt, and pepper.
Another great thing about this recipe is that you can cook it in a slow cooker for optimal tenderness and flavor. The slow cooking process allows all of the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home with loved ones, our espresso braised beef recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of coffee and beef might sound unusual at first, but trust us — once you try it, you won’t be able to get enough. Give it a try today and savor the deliciousness!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious espresso-braised beef recipe:
- 3 pounds beef stew meat or beef short ribs, boneless
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 cup brewed espresso coffee
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the vegetable mix:
- 4 small turnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
- 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
Note that the recipe ingredients can be modified based on your personal preference.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Beef for Braising
First, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Take 3lbs of beef stew meat or braised short ribs and cut them into 1-2 inch chunks. Make sure that beef is blotted dry with paper towels before you begin cutting it. This will help give it a good sear.
In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of fresh ground black pepper and salt. Toss sliced beef pieces in this mixture until each piece is fully coated.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef pieces to the pan and let them cook on one side for approximately 5 minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip the pieces over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You may need to work in batches so not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
While the beef is searing, prepare your vegetables. Peel and cube 2 medium-sized carrots and roughly chop one large onion.
When your beef is well seared add the onions and garlic to the skillet, reducing the heat to medium.
Allow them to cool for about one minute before stirring them into the meat. Cook until they have become soft and aromatic.
Then add your carrots, stirring occasionally, cooking for an extra few minutes
Step 4: Add Wine and Espresso
Once everything has been sauteéd properly, next add in 1/2 cup red wine and let it cook with the vegetables until it’s reduced by half.
After that has happened, add in 1/2 cup freshly brewed espresso coffee, making sure it mixes well with the other ingredients. This gives the meat an espresso flavor that’s unique and savory.
Step 5: Slow Cooking Time!
Next, transfer everything into a slow cooker and add 1 cup of beef stock. Use a spatula to scrape down the bottom of the skillet to make sure all the bits are transferred over.
Cook your beef low and slow for 6 – 8 hours until it’s tender enough to shred.
Step 6: Serve it up!
Serve your delicious Espresso Braised Beef with turnips, new potatoes, and/or pasta.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, this espresso braised beef recipe can be easily adapted and personalized to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations for you to experiment with:
– Beef cuts: Although beef stew meat or short ribs work wonderfully for this recipe, you can also try using other cuts of beef such as boneless beef shanks, brisket or even steak tips. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
– Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the turnips, new potatoes, and carrots for any other root vegetables you may have on hand, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes. You could also add some leafy greens like kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
– Espresso: If you don’t have espresso coffee on hand, instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water make a suitable substitute. Alternatively, brewed strong coffee or even coffee liqueur will give your braised beef a rich and complex flavor.
– Wine: A dry red wine works best for this recipe; however, if you prefer a sweeter taste profile, feel free to use a port or a Zinfandel. You could even try adding a splash of bourbon or your favorite hot sauce like sriracha for an added kick.
– Pasta: After shredding the beef, you can mix it into cooked pasta for a hearty meal. Choose your favorite pasta shape – rigatoni, penne or spaghetti – and toss it with some olive oil and fresh herbs for an easy yet flavorful dish.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, take advantage of the endless possibilities offered by this versatile recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own version of this espresso braised beef recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Once the espresso braised beef is ready, it’s time to think about what to serve it with. This dish is hearty and savory, so you’ll want to pair it with something that can stand up to those flavors. I recommend serving this dish with a crusty bread to soak up all of the rich sauce, or over a bed of egg noodles or polenta.
For wine pairing, a dry red wine like a cabernet sauvignon or merlot would be perfect to match the depth of the beef and the coffee flavors. If you prefer a white wine, try an oaky Chardonnay to complement the sweetness of the root vegetables in the dish.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a bold espresso or coffee would also be a great pairing with this dish. The coffee notes in the braising liquid will be echoed in your drink, creating a harmonious balance between your palate and your senses.
As for sides and salads, a green salad with bitter greens like arugula or frisée would help refresh your taste buds between bites. Roasted root vegetables like turnips or carrots make for warming accompaniments that will create great textures and flavors thanks to its mix of roasted vegetables and saucy meat.
Remember that whatever you choose as accompaniments, it’s important to keep your main protein hero/espresso braised beef at center stage!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This espresso braised beef recipe can be made-ahead for convenience without compromising the taste. Once cooked and slightly cooled, store the beef and its aromatic sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat while stirring at intervals to maintain an even reheating pattern.
Better yet, this stew can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Before freezing, divide it into portions that would be easy to thaw, such as small freezer bags or plastic containers. Make sure the stew is room temperature before putting it into the freezer.
For best results though, I recommend reheating this delicious dish on the stovetop rather than microwaving it as it retains its flavor better. Before serving, bring it back to a boil and simmer uncovered for about 5-7 minutes allowing the meat to absorb more of its amazing coffee essence and aroma.
This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or large groups events since you need to prepare a massive batch anyway. With proper preparation and storage, take some of the stresses of meal preparation off your shoulders by having ready-to-eat meals that are as delicious as freshly made ones – Any day of the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
Braising beef in espresso may sound like an unusual combination, but trust me when I say it works. To make sure you achieve the best results with this recipe, here are some tips to keep in mind.
One of the most important aspects is choosing the right cut of meat. This recipe calls for beef stew meat or short ribs. Both cuts work well because they have enough fat and connective tissue to break down during long cooking times, which results in a tender and flavorful dish. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using beef shanks, brisket or even steak tips.
When it comes to seasoning the beef, don’t hold back. The espresso adds a rich and robust flavor to the dish, but it’s important to balance it out with other spices like dried thyme and fresh ground black pepper. Be generous with these seasonings and don’t forget to sprinkle some salt as well.
Another key tip for perfect results with this recipe is to brown the meat first before adding it to the slow cooker or dutch oven. This helps create a nice crust on the outside of the meat and adds extra depth of flavor to the final dish. Also, be sure to blot dry the pieces of beef before coating them with flour so that they brown evenly.
For those who prefer a milder flavor in their braised beef, you can substitute some of the espresso with red wine or even add some sriracha sauce for a bit of heat. Furthermore, you can add vegetables like turnips, new potatoes and carrots for added texture and nutrition.
Finally, allow plenty of time for cooking – at least 4 hours in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours in a dutch oven on low heat – so that all the flavors from your ingredients come together beautifully. Keep an eye on your pot during this time and add more liquid if necessary.
Follow these tips and recommended substitutions for variations, and you’ll end up with a perfect braised beef in espresso that everyone will love.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Espresso Braised Beef recipe is one that offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic beef stew. By incorporating espresso into the cooking process, you can elevate the taste and aroma of the dish to a whole new level. This recipe provides detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations to ensure perfect results every time.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a larger gathering, this recipe will be the highlight of your meal. So why not give it a try? With its rich flavor and tender texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
So go ahead and gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that you won’t forget any time soon. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for trying out this amazing Espresso Braised Beef recipe!
Braised Beef in Espresso Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef stew meat, trimmed of fat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks, and blotted dry
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 carrots, cut diagonally into 2-inch chunks
- 4 new potatoes, diced
- 6 small turnips, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup strong coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
Instructions
- In a zip-lock plastic bag, toss the beef with the flour, salt, and pepper; shake off excess flour.
- In a big skillet over med-high heat, warm 1 ½ tablespoons oil until very hot.
- Add half the beef; brown on all sides, about 5 minutes; transfer to a slow cooker.
- Repeat with the remaining oil and beef.
- Add the onions to the skillet; cook/stir 5minutes, until softened.
- Transfer to the cooker and add the carrots, potatoes, and turnips.
- Add the coffee and thyme to the cooker.
- Pour the wine into the skillet; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Pour into the cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Taste for salt/pepper, add to if needed; serve.
Add Your Own Notes
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