Braised Beef with Bamboo Shoots

Description
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

Ingredients

 * 3½ oz (100g) young bamboo shoots, fresh or canned
 * ½ oz (15g) rock sugar (or substitute)
 * 2¼ lb. (1 kg ) lean boneless beef
 * 4 tbsp (60 ml) vegetable oil
 * 2 tsp ginger, sliced
 * 2 tbsp salted fermented soybean
 * 2 tsp scallions, chopped
 * 2 tsp salt
 * 10 whole Szechuan peppercorns
 * 3½ tbsp rice wine
 * 1 star anise

Directions

 * 1) Soak the bamboo shoots in cold water and cut into small pieces.
 * 2) Blanch quickly in boiling water, drain, and rinse in cold water.
 * 3) Set aside.
 * 4) Cut the beef into 1 inch (3 cm ) chunks and place in a pot with cold water to cover.
 * 5) Bring to a boil and skim off the foam.
 * 6) Then add the ginger, scallion, peppercorns, and star anise.
 * 7) Bring back to a boil and add the sugar.
 * 8) Stir until it dissolves.
 * 9) Turn the heat to low and simmer.
 * 10) While the beef is cooking heat the oil until the surface ripples.
 * 11) Add the soybean paste and stir-fry until it turns slightly red.
 * 12) Add to the beef.
 * 13) When the beef has cooked for about one hour, add the salt, rice wine and the bamboo shoots.
 * 14) Stew the beef another hour until it is very tender, and serve.