Braising Tough Meat

2h
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Pat meat dry and season.
  2. 2Heat oil in a Dutch oven.
  3. 3Sear the meat on all sides until deeply golden (build that crust).
  4. 4Remove the meat and set aside.
  5. 5In the same pot, soften onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
  6. 6Stir in tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened.
  7. 7Deglaze with wine or stock, scraping up the fond at the bottom.
  8. 8Add your seared meat back in.
  9. 9Submerge the meat with stock till halfway.
  10. 10Turn your heat to low and bring it up to a simmer.
  11. 11Lid on and leave for 2 to 4 hours, depending on your cut, until fork-tender.
  12. 12Remove meat.
  13. 13Reduce or blend the braising liquid into a sauce.
  14. 14Season to taste and serve.

Ingredients

  • Beef cheeks
  • Short ribs
  • Brisket
  • Chuck
  • Lamb shoulder or shank
  • Pork shoulder or belly
  • Chicken thighs
  • Onion
  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Tomato paste
  • Wine and/or stock
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt

Equipment

Dutch oven

Tips

  • Don't go for something lean like chicken breast because you'll end up with dry meat.
  • The liquid should never boil; a gentle simmer is all you need to tenderize the meat.
  • You can easily turn the braising liquid into a sauce by seasoning, blending, and reducing it further.