Beef azyu with cucumbers
Description
The dish is prepared without unnecessary complications. Here are some secrets to excellent azu: try to cut the meat into evenly sized pieces across the grain; sear the meat on a well-heated pan until a golden crust forms, adding it in batches so it doesn't release too much juice; cook the potatoes separately, and only serve them together with the meat once they're fully ready. And the most important secret—be in a good mood. The finished dish is now ready to be served.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
To prepare, you will need beef, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, pickled cucumbers, salt, pepper, and sugar. Now take the meat and cut it into medium-sized pieces.
- 2
Step 2
Next in line are onion, garlic, and carrot. Peel them and chop: slice the onion into thin rings, cut the carrot into small pieces, and leave the garlic aside for now.
- 3
Step 3
Pour about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a frying pan, add the beef pieces and garlic for flavor. If you want a stronger garlic taste, you can crush it with the side of a knife blade.
- 4
Step 4
After the meat has been seared to form a crust so that the juices don't escape, add the onion and continue simmering with the lid closed. Then add the carrots and keep simmering, adding a little broth or water as needed.
- 5
Step 5
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into strips. Boil in water or steam. If desired, you can fry them.
- 6
Step 6
Add the tomatoes to the meat and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Make sure the meat doesn't dry out; add liquid if needed. Finally, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce and chopped pickled cucumbers. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add a little sugar to balance the tomato flavor.
- 7
Step 7
When the potatoes are ready, mix them with the meat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the azu steep for 5 minutes with the lid closed. Serve the azu hot.