The Best One-Pot Asian Beef Stew (So Easy!)

As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to bring comfort to your table. This Asian beef stew, with its rich flavors and tender beef, is a perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months. Drawing inspiration from various Asian cuisines, this delicious beef stew combines traditional ingredients with modern cooking techniques to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

If you’re a fan of bold, umami-packed Asian dishes, you might also love this Beef Pepper Rice Recipe, inspired by the famous Pepper Lunch dish. The sizzling beef and rice combo brings another level of comfort, just like this stew!

Ingredients You’ll Need

See below for the key ingredients in this recipe! For the printable recipe and exact ingredient amounts, jump to the recipe card below.

• Beef: Use chuck roast cut into 1-inch pieces for its tenderness and flavor.
• Seasoning Sauce: A blend of light soy sauce, mirin, pear, onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and black pepper creates a rich, umami-packed broth inspired by Korean flavors.
• Vegetables: Carrots and Korean radish add heartiness. If unavailable, substitute with daikon radish or potatoes.
• Mushrooms: Dried shiitake mushrooms enhance the broth’s depth of flavor, though fresh shiitake can be used as well.

For another unique twist on classic Asian comfort food, check out Air Fryer Tangsuyuk—a crispy, tangy Korean sweet and sour pork dish that’s made lighter with an air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Sauce. Add all seasoning ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef. Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add beef chunks and sauté until mostly browned on all sides.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew. Add in water, and bring to a boil for 10-15 minutes. Skim the foam that rises to the top with a spoon as it boils.

Step 4: Add the Seasoning Sauce. Stir in the seasoning mixture, cover, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour until the meat is tender.

Step 5: Add Vegetables. Add in radish, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms, then cover and simmer for 30 more minutes until the veggies are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches. Taste to add salt, if needed. Serve warm topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Recipe Tips

• Natural Sweetener: The use of pear in the seasoning sauce adds a subtle sweetness, a common practice in Korean cooking.
• Flavor Inspiration: This stew draws from the flavors of Galbi Jjim, allowing the meat and vegetables to absorb the seasoned broth as they cook to tenderness.
• Craving more hearty stews? This Instant Pot Beef Stew has the same fork-tender beef but with a classic, comforting flavor twist!
• Substitutions: There are many ways to customize this recipe and make it your own. Don’t have mirin? Use shaoxing wine instead. Prefer a deeper flavor? Try dark soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy the stew on its own or serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the seasoning sauce in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on cooking day.

Asian beef stew is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this stew is a delightful way to showcase the best of Asian cuisine. Consider using an Instant Pot or slow cooker to make a big batch, perfect for sharing or storing for later.