Braised Beef Cheek with Star Anise

Cook Time 3 hours

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil 

4 beef cheeks (1.2-1.6kg), sinew removed

½ cup of flour for dusting 

2 red onions, chopped 

2 cloves garlic, bruised and peeled 

3 star anise

½ cup of red wine (like Montepulciano)

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sugar

1 cup chicken stock or water 

Salt and pepper 

Method

Preheat the oven to 160°C.

In a heavy-based casserole, heat oil over high heat. Season the beef cheeks with salt and pepper and sear for a minute on each side. Remove. Turn the heat to medium and add the onion and star anise and cook for 3 - 4 minutes to soften. Add the red wine and reduce it by a third. Return the beef cheeks and then add the soy, sugar and stock. 

Lay a piece of baking paper over the meat. Place the lid on and bake in the oven for 2.5 - 3 hours or until the meat is meltingly tender. If the sauce is a little watery, carefully remove the beef cheeks and bring to a boil for a few minutes to reduce.

Serve with brown rice and Asian steamed greens. 

Recommended wine pairing Stockyard Shiraz.