Sweet and sour beef" sauce
4 servings
135 minutes
Beef in sweet and sour sauce is a dish inspired by the traditions of Pan-Asian cuisine, where the mastery of flavor balance reaches perfection. Tender pieces of beef undergo long stewing, gaining rich aroma and tenderness, then enriched with a spicy sauce that combines the sweetness of sugar, the tanginess of vinegar, and the depth of tomato puree. The addition of black bread gives the sauce a velvety texture, while spices highlight the complexity of flavor. This dish is perfect for a warm family dinner or a gathering with friends, creating an atmosphere of coziness and gastronomic delight. It is recommended to serve with a side of rice or vegetables that harmoniously complement the flavor composition, making the meal truly unforgettable.
1
Wash the beef and cut it as for goulash.
- Beef: 800 g
2
Place in a pot, pour in oil and half a glass of boiling water, and let it stew. The water should not be higher than the middle of the meat.
- Vegetable oil: 0.3 glass
3
Take 2 slices of crustless black bread and soak them in hot water, let the bread soften.
- Black bread: 2 pieces
4
Fry 1 large onion over low heat until golden. Add the onion to the meat.
- Onion: 1 piece
5
Put 2 crushed garlic cloves in the pot with the meat.
- Garlic: 2 cloves
6
Monitor to prevent water from evaporating, add as needed.
7
Squeeze the soaked bread with your hands and add it to the beef.
- Black bread: 2 pieces
8
Stew the beef for about 2 hours.
9
Prepare the sauce: put half a teaspoon of flour (or starch) in a small bowl, pour in half a glass of water, and mix everything thoroughly.
- Wheat flour: 0.5 teaspoon
- Vinegar 3%: 1 tablespoon
- Tomato puree: 1 tablespoon
10
Add 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, 1-2 tablespoons of 3.5% vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon of mustard, 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, pepper, and ground spices. The sauce should have a tangy but not sharp taste, with its 'highlight' being the combination of sour and sweet flavor notes.
- Mustard: 0.5 teaspoon
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Seasonings: to taste
11
Pour the sauce over the cooked meat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Beef: 800 g