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is a hearty Chinese stew where tender beef is slowly braised with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices to create a rich, savory, and slightly tangy sauce. This dish is comforting, warming, and perfect for family meals.

The natural sweetness of the tomatoes balances the savory beef, creating a delicious, saucy stew that goes beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

📝 Recipe Information

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 1–1.5 hours

🍽 Servings: 4

🥡 Cuisine: Chinese

🧂 Ingredients

For the Beef:

Beef chuck or brisket — 500 g (cut into 2-inch cubes)

Salt — 1 tsp

Pepper — ½ tsp

Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp


Aromatics & Vegetables:

Garlic — 3 cloves (minced)

Ginger — 1 tsp (minced)

Onion — 1 medium (sliced)

Ripe tomatoes — 3–4 medium (chopped)

Green onions — 2 stalks (for garnish)


Sauce & Seasoning:

Light soy sauce — 2 tbsp

Dark soy sauce — 1 tsp

Shaoxing rice wine — 1 tbsp

Sugar — 1 tsp

Water or beef stock — 2 cups

Cornstarch slurry — 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

🥩 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.

Sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

👉 Browning the beef adds depth and richness to the stew.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, and onion.

Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Beef

Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they start to release their juices.

Return beef to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Sauce & Simmer

Add light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water or stock.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer gently for 1–1.5 hours until beef is tender.

💡 Check occasionally and add water or stock if needed.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

If desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Stir into the stew and simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions.

Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with steamed jasmine rice.

Pairs well with stir-fried greens or simple vegetables.

Can be accompanied by a light soup for a complete meal.

🌿 Pro Tips for Perfect Beef and Tomato Stew

Use beef cuts suitable for slow cooking like chuck or brisket for tenderness.

Allow stew to simmer slowly — this enhances flavor and softens the beef.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes give natural sweetness and tang.

Adjust seasoning at the end for balanced taste.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Tender beef in a rich, tangy tomato sauce

Comforting, hearty, and perfect for family meals

Simple ingredients with maximum flavor

Can be made ahead; flavors improve after resting

✨ Beef and Tomato Stew is a warm, savory, and comforting Chinese dish that combines tender beef with the natural sweetness of tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty meal that satisfies both adults and kids alike.