Dive into the rich and savory world of Vietnamese cuisine with this authentic Tu Le Mien Tay beef offal stew. This isn't your grandma's stew; it's a bold and flavorful explosion of textures and tastes, showcasing the often-underappreciated bounty of beef innards. Prepare for a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, offering a unique experience for adventurous palates. The fragrant blend of lemongrass, ginger, and star anise creates a symphony of aromas that will tantalize your senses long before the first spoonful. This hearty stew is a testament to the resourceful and delicious nature of Vietnamese cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Forget bland stews; this recipe bursts with character. The perfectly balanced blend of spices and the tender-yet-chewy offal create a truly unforgettable dish. Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to recreate this delightful Tu Le Mien Tay specialty.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Beef offal: 2 kg
- Star fruit
- Honeycomb intestines
- Sugarcane leaves
- Lemons: 3
- Ginger: a large piece
- Salt: 2 tablespoons + extra for marinating
- White wine: 150 ml
- Sugar: 2.5 tablespoons
- Cinnamon: 2 internodes
- Star anise: 2
- Cardamom pods: 2
- MSG: 3 teaspoons
- Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
- Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Minced shallots: 2 tablespoons
- Curry oil: 1 jar
- Curry powder: half a packet (5g)
- Galangal: 50g
- Shrimp paste (for color): half a tube
- Fresh milk (unsweetened): 2 packs (440ml)
- Condensed milk: 100ml
- Coconut milk: 100ml
- Cooking oil
- Vietnamese coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef Offal
- Clean and boil the beef offal to remove bad smell. Use lemons, ginger, salt, and white wine to help with this process.
- Marinate the beef offal for 1 hour with sugar, salt, MSG, five-spice powder, shallots, garlic, curry oil, curry powder, condensed milk, and shrimp paste for color.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
- Heat cooking oil in a pot, add garlic and shallots, then fry until fragrant. Add galangal, star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom pods; stir until fragrant.
Step 3. Simmer the Stew
- Add the marinated beef offal and remaining spices to the pot. Add 1.5 liters of fresh coconut water and 1.5 liters of filtered water.
- Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the remaining condensed milk and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for 1.5 hours. Then, reheat on low heat until the beef offal is tender.
- Stir in the remaining broth, bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with bread or noodles, and garnish with Vietnamese coriander.
Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Tips
- Adjust seasoning according to your family's taste.
- Using sugarcane leaves adds a unique fatty flavor.
- The cooking time may vary depending on how quickly your beef offal softens.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 150-180g
FAQs
1. What kind of beef offal is used in this recipe?
Traditionally, a mix of beef tripe, intestines, and possibly other parts like heart or liver are used. The specific cuts can vary depending on availability.
2. Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have all the listed spices?
While the listed spices contribute to the authentic flavor, you can substitute some. For example, you can reduce the amount of star anise if you don’t have much, and fresh ginger can mostly replace dried ginger. However, adjusting the recipe too much may affect the final taste.
3. How do I ensure the beef offal is tender?
Proper cleaning and pre-boiling the offal are crucial. Slow cooking for an extended period allows the tough connective tissues to break down, resulting in a tender and flavorful stew.
This Fatty & Fragrant Beef Offal Stew is a testament to the deliciousness of Vietnamese culinary traditions, showcasing the unique flavors and textures of often-overlooked ingredients. Enjoy the rich reward of your efforts with a hearty bowl of this aromatic and satisfying stew. Share this recipe and the wonderful experience of Tu Le Mien Tay cuisine with your friends and family!