Five Spice Beef Appetizer
This savory five-spice beef is a flavorful appetizer, perfect for sharing. Thinly sliced beef is marinated and then gently simmered until tender, absorbing the aromatic spices. It offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 3 hr 20 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 380 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 500 gbeef flank steak, cut into 2 large pieces
marinade
- 60 mlsoy sauce
- 30 mlrice wine
- 15 gsugar
- 5 gfive spice powder
- 2 pcsstar anise
- 1 pcscinnamon stick
- 2 pcsginger, sliced
- 2 clovegarlic, smashed
- 500 mlwater
garnish
- 2 pcsscallion, sliced
Equipment
pot · cutting board · knife · airtight container
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the beef flank steak pieces in a medium pot.
- 2
Add the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, five spice powder, star anise, cinnamon stick, ginger, and garlic to the pot with the beef.
About 2 min
- 3
Pour in the water, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged; add more water if needed to cover.
About 1 min
- 4
Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
About 5 min
- 5
Cover the pot and simmer gently for 60 minutes, or until the beef is very tender when pierced with a fork.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Do not boil rapidly; a gentle simmer prevents the beef from becoming tough.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat and let the beef cool completely in the braising liquid.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Allowing the beef to cool in the liquid helps it absorb more flavor and stay moist.
- 7
Once cool, transfer the beef to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, still in the liquid.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling the beef makes it much easier to slice thinly.
- 8
When ready to serve, remove the beef from the liquid and slice it very thinly against the grain.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Use a sharp knife for the best results.
- 9
Arrange the sliced beef on a serving platter and garnish with sliced scallion.
About 2 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 379.6kcal
- Protein
- 34g
- Carbs
- 8.5g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fibre
- 1.5g
- Sugar
- 4.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover five-spice beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a little of the braising liquid.
Serve cold or at room temperature; do not reheat the sliced beef as it may become dry.
More recipes
All recipesside dish
Swabian Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat)
This traditional Swabian potato salad features tender potatoes dressed in a tangy, warm broth-based vinaigrette. Unlike mayonnaise-based versions, this recipe is light, fresh, and naturally vegan. It's an excellent side dish for any meal.
1 hr 15 min 282 kcaldessert
Frutta Martorana
Indulge in the exquisite tradition of Frutta Martorana, a vibrant Sicilian confection crafted from finely ground almonds and sugar. These charming, hand-shaped 'fruits' boast a delicate, sweet flavor and a surprisingly realistic appearance, making them a delightful vegan treat perfect for special occasions or a unique gift.
3 hr 322 kcalbreakfast
Arroz Caldo
Experience the ultimate comfort with this traditional Filipino Arroz Caldo, a savory rice porridge infused with aromatic ginger and garlic. Tender chicken simmers gently with jasmine rice, creating a creamy, soul-warming dish perfect for any time of day. Garnished with crispy fried garlic and fresh scallions, it's a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
1 hr 15 min 614 kcalside dish
Roasted Root Vegetables
A simple and delicious side dish featuring naturally sweet root vegetables roasted until tender and slightly caramelized. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
45 min 271 kcalside dish
Simple Cauliflower Rice
This quick and easy cauliflower rice is a versatile low-carb alternative to traditional grain-based rice. It's perfect as a side dish or as a base for stir-fries and bowls. Ready in minutes, it's a staple for a healthy kitchen.
13 min 70 kcalappetizer
Marides Tiganites
Crispy fried smelts, a classic Greek appetizer. These small fish are lightly floured and quickly fried until golden brown and delicious. Best served hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
25 minsoup
Newfie Corn Soup
A simple and hearty soup originating from Newfoundland, this dish combines potatoes and creamed corn in a rich, creamy base of evaporated milk. It's a comforting one-pot meal that comes together quickly, perfect for a chilly day.
45 min 416 kcal