Braised Beef Shanks Recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 kilo beef shanks

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1/2 cup white onions, chopped

4 pieces star anise

2 sticks cinnamon

2 bay leaves

2 teaspoons black peppercorns

1/4 cup dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

6 fresh or rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced in hald

salt, to taste

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

1 bundle bok choy, leaves separted and blanched until tender

COOKING PROCEDURE

Heat oil in a large frying pan until almost smoking. Sear beef pieces in batches until surface is brown. Set aside.

Place seared beef and remaining ingredients except for mushrooms, cornstarch, and bok choy in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough water to cover meat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 2 to 3 hours or until meat is fork-tender. Add mushrooms 30 minutes before stew is done.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Discard star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Add dissolved cornstarch and mix to thicken sauce. Add bok choy. Serve hot.