「Braised Lamb Brisket with Bean Curd Sticks」

Ingredients and amounts

• 500 g lamb brisket
• 30-50 g fried bean curd sticks
• 30 g chu hou paste
• 40 g fermented bean curd
• 35 g red fermented bean curd
• 5 ml dark soy sauce
• 5 ml chili oil
• 500 ml water
• 20 g rock sugar
• 10 g granulated sugar
• 5 scallions
• 6-8 slices ginger
• 7-8 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 onion or 4-5 shallots
• 7-8 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 star anise
• 10 g cinnamon stick

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Soak shiitake mushrooms in water for 2-3 hours until soft. Soak bean curd sticks for 30 minutes until soft.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Prepare sauce 1: Mix red fermented bean curd, chu hou paste, 20 g fermented bean curd, and dark soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Prepare sauce 2: Mix 20 g fermented bean curd, granulated sugar, and chili oil in a small bowl until smooth.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Remove the stems from the soaked shiitake mushrooms.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Cut the soaked bean curd sticks into 5 cm segments and squeeze out excess water.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Peel and slice the onion. Alternatively, use peeled shallots for better flavor.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Cut scallions into 5 cm segments.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Place lamb brisket in a pot with cold water and 2-3 ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn off the heat.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Remove the lamb brisket and transfer to a bowl of cold water to cool, which improves texture.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add 4-5 ginger slices, onion/shallots, white parts of scallions, and 7-8 garlic cloves. Stir-fry until fragrant.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Add the cooled lamb brisket and stir-fry with chopsticks for 2-5 minutes until golden brown.

12. 12

    Step 12

    Add sauce 1 and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the meat is evenly colored.

13. 13

    Step 13

    Add water until the ingredients are just submerged.

14. 14

    Step 14

    Add shiitake mushrooms, rock sugar, bay leaf, star anise, and cinnamon stick.

15. 15

    Step 15

    Cover and simmer over low heat for 90 minutes.

16. 16

    Step 16

    Uncover, add bean curd sticks, cover, and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

17. 17

    Step 17

    Uncover, add sauce 2, and stir well.

18. 18

    Step 18

    Turn off the heat. Garnish with green parts of scallions or cilantro before serving.