Slow Cooked Miso Beef

Slow-Cooked Miso Beef: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Beef Stew

Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish to warm you up? Slow-Cooked Miso Beef is a rich, hearty recipe that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This dish takes the traditional beef stew and gives it a unique twist by incorporating miso—a sweet and savory flavor-packed ingredient. The beef is marinated in a miso mixture and simmered slowly to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat in a savory miso gravy. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires minimal prep, letting you enjoy a comforting meal without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Miso Beef Stew Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Using slower cuts of beef like stew meat makes this dish affordable without sacrificing flavor.
• Prep Ahead: This stew can be made in advance, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks. You can even make it the day before to allow the flavors to meld.
• Healthier Than Takeout: Homemade means you control what goes into the dish—there’s no excess oil, salt, or sugar in this hearty stew.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap for gluten-free beef broth to make this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
• Versatile: The recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences. Adjust the spice levels or add extra veggies to customize the dish.

If you love hearty, flavorful stews, this slow-cooked miso beef will quickly become one of your go-to recipes!

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Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Miso Beef

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory dish:

• Beef: For the best results, use stewing beef such as chuck, skirt, round steak, or brisket. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking.
• Miso: I recommend using white miso for its mild, mellow flavor, but you can use any type of miso paste (red or brown) depending on your taste preferences.
• Mirin: This rice wine adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. If you can’t find mirin, medium sweet sherry is a good substitute.
• Broth: Beef broth adds richness to the stew. Use gluten-free beef broth if needed.
• Seasoning: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey come together to create the perfect marinade for the beef.

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How to Make Slow-Cooked Miso Beef – Step-by-Step

This recipe is easy to make, and here’s how you do it:

1. Marinate the Beef

• In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful marinade.
• Place your cubed beef in a large bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the beef is coated well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Brown the Beef

• Heat a heavy-bottomed pan with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the marinated beef and sear it on all sides until it’s browned.
• Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Sprinkle the beef with cornstarch to help thicken the stew later.

3. Cook the Stew

• In the same pan, add diced onions and sauté until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).
• Add the remaining beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits.
• Return the seared beef to the pot, then bring everything to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more beef broth if needed during cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, sea salt, or pepper.

4. Serve

• Once the beef is tender and the flavors have developed, garnish the stew with fresh cilantro and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or any side of your choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is miso and why is it used in this recipe?
Miso is a fermented paste made from soybeans, rice, or barley. It’s rich in umami and adds depth and savory richness to dishes. It also helps tenderize meat, making it ideal for slow-cooked recipes like this one.

2. What type of beef is best for slow cooking?
For slow-cooked stews, tougher cuts like beef chuck, skirt steak, or brisket are ideal. These cuts break down during long, slow cooking and become tender and juicy.

3. Can I use a different meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef works best, you can substitute pork shoulder for a similar slow-cooked result. You could also try chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) for a different flavor.

4. Do I have to brown the beef first?
Searing the beef first adds a rich, deep flavor to the stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I recommend it for the best flavor.

5. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for a busy week.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add fresh chilies or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Extra Veggies: Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the stew for a heartier meal.
• Tofu Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for the beef. Tofu will soak up the rich miso flavor beautifully.
• Wine Substitute: If you don’t have mirin, you can use a combination of white wine and a little sugar to mimic the sweetness of mirin.

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Tips for Making Perfect Miso Beef Stew

• Sear the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef. It builds essential flavor for the stew.
• Let It Sit: As with most stews, this dish tastes even better the next day. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen.
• Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch or cook the stew uncovered towards the end to reduce the liquid.

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Conclusion

Slow-Cooked Miso Beef is an incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal. The rich, savory miso gravy pairs beautifully with tender beef, creating a comforting and satisfying stew. Whether you cook it on the stove, in the slow cooker, or using an instant pot, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and savor every bite!