Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb beef chuck roast
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 8 gua bao buns
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and water.
2. Add beef chuck roast to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
3. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
4. In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Add the shredded beef to the sauce mixture and stir until the beef is coated.
6. Heat the gua bao buns according to package instructions.
7. Assemble the gua bao by placing a spoonful of the beef mixture on the bottom of the bun, then top with chopped scallions and cilantro.
8. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 hours
5. Temperature:
Low heat setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 1000mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef chuck roast can be substituted with pork shoulder or chicken thighs.
- Hoisin sauce can be substituted with barbecue sauce.
- Oyster sauce can be substituted with soy sauce.
Variations:
- Add sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables to the gua bao for extra crunch.
- Use lettuce leaves instead of gua bao buns for a low-carb option.
- Substitute the beef with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a fork to shred the beef while it's still hot for easier shredding.
- Make the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Heat the gua bao buns in the microwave or steamer for a softer texture.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the gua bao on a platter with a side of pickled vegetables or sliced cucumbers.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped scallions and cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef is tough, cook it for an additional hour in the slow cooker.
- If the beef is too salty, dilute the sauce mixture with water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Gua bao is a Taiwanese street food that consists of a steamed bun filled with meat, vegetables, and sauce.
Flavor profiles:
The braised beef is savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of cinnamon and star anise. The gua bao bun is soft and slightly sweet, with a hint of sesame oil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the gua bao with a side of soy sauce or hot sauce for dipping.
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Region: Taiwanese