How to Cook Stew Meat to be Tender | 8 Easy Tips

Introduction

Stew meat is a type of beef that is usually cut into cubes and used in stews, soups, and other slow-cooked dishes. It is often tougher than other cuts of beef, so it needs to be cooked properly in order to be tender. If you’re looking for tips on how to cook stew meat so it’s tender, read on!

Marinating the Meat

Marinating is a great way to add moisture and flavor to stew meat before cooking. It also helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down some of its fibers. A simple marinade can be made with oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce.

To marinate the stew meat, start by combining all the ingredients together in a large resealable bag. Add the cubed beef, seal the bag, and massage it until the marinade is evenly distributed. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least two hours or overnight.

Using a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to cook stew meat because they allow the meat to simmer in liquid over a long period of time. This helps to break down the tough fibers, making it tender and flavorful. For best results, use a slow cooker with a timer so you can set it to turn off after the desired cooking time.

To use a slow cooker to cook stew meat, start by adding the beef cubes to the pot along with any vegetables and seasonings. Next, pour broth or water over the ingredients until everything is covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker, set the timer, and let it cook for at least four hours or up to eight hours on low heat.

Adding Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic ingredients that can help to tenderize the beef. They also add a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with stew meat. When using either ingredient, start by adding just a tablespoon or two to the pot. You can always add more later if needed.

When adding vinegar or lemon juice, it’s important to keep in mind that the acid will begin to break down the beef as soon as it’s added. So, if you want the meat to remain firm, add the vinegar or lemon juice near the end of the cooking time.

Pressure Cooking

Using a pressure cooker is another great way to cook stew meat. The high temperature and pressure created inside the pot help to tenderize the beef quickly. Plus, the sealed environment traps in moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful beef.

To use a pressure cooker, start by adding the beef, vegetables, and seasonings to the pot. Pour broth or water over the ingredients until everything is covered. Place the lid on the pressure cooker, set the timer, and let it cook for about 30 minutes on high pressure.

Pre-Cooking in Skillet

Pre-cooking the stew meat in a skillet is a great way to get a head start on tenderizing the beef. The high heat of the skillet helps to break down the tough fibers and add flavor. Plus, the fat from the skillet helps to keep the beef moist while cooking.

To pre-cook the stew meat, start by heating a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and let it cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. The beef can then be added to the slow cooker or pressure cooker.

Adding Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a great way to add flavor and richness to stew meat. The acidity from the tomatoes helps to tenderize the beef, while the sweetness adds depth of flavor. Start by adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. You can always add more later if needed.

When adding tomato paste, it’s important to keep in mind that the acidity will begin to break down the beef as soon as it’s added. So, if you want the meat to remain firm, add the tomato paste near the end of the cooking time.

Simmering on Low Heat

Simmering is the final step when cooking stew meat. Simmering on low heat helps to ensure that the beef is cooked through without becoming dry or tough. It also gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a rich, flavorful stew.

To simmer the stew, start by bringing the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for at least an hour or up to two hours. Check the stew occasionally to make sure it’s not boiling too vigorously. If it is, reduce the heat slightly.

Conclusion

Cooking stew meat so it’s tender doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right techniques, you can make tender, flavorful beef every time. Try marinating the beef before cooking, using a slow cooker, adding vinegar or lemon juice, pressure cooking, pre-cooking in a skillet, adding tomato paste, and simmering on low heat.