Recipes

Five Spice & Cocoa Braised Short Ribs
 

Yield: 4 Servings
Preparation Time: 45 Minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

4 pounds beef short ribs
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup soy sauce
The zest and juice of 1 orange
1 1/2 tsp ketchup
3 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder 
1 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbs dark brown sugar
1 clove minced garlic
1 shallot, roughly chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

  • preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the short ribs in an ovenproof casserole just big enough to fit them snugly.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the stock, soy sauce, zest, juice, ketchup, five-spice powder, brown sugar, cocoa powder, garlic, shallot and thyme. Pour the mixture over the short ribs.
  • Cover the baking container tightly with foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (depending on the size of the ribs). The meat should be falling off the bone and give little resistance when pressed with a fork. Uncover and return to the oven to allow the juices to thicken, about 30 minutes more.
  • Transfer the ribs to a plate and carefully pour the braising liquid into a large glass measuring cup. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes so fat will rise to the top. Using a small ladle or cup, skim off that fat.
  • Serve the ribs with a few spoonfuls of sauce drizzled over the top.

Adopted from Brad Farmerie, The Wall Street Journal

 

Lime Cilantro Shaved Steak

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 1 min

  • 1 lb package shaved steak
  • juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1/2 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • salt & fresh ground pepper as desired
  • fresh Italian bread, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp mayo & 4 tbsp horseradish
  1. Combine shaved steak, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, salt & fresh pepper in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Mix mayo and horseradish in a small dish, set aside
  3. In a medium frying pan, drizzle with olive oil on high heat.
  4. Once pan is hot, toss in shaved steak and roll around with a spatula constantly for 20 to 30 seconds.  Take care not to over cook.
  5. Toast bread and spread with mayo & horseradish mixture, add steak.