This Coffee-Infused Smoky Apple-Tomato Braised Beef recipe incorporates bold coffee flavours. The coffee adds depth and richness, balancing the sweetness of apple, tang of vinegar, and smokiness of paprika. Perfect for a decadent, complex dish.
Coffee-Infused Smoky Apple-Tomato Braised Beef
Braising Liquid
Ingredients:
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups strong brewed coffee (or 1 cup coffee + ½ cup water)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (enhances coffee’s richness)
Instructions
1. Prep the Beef:
- Pat the beef dry. Rub the roast with 1 tbsp of high heat cooking oil (avocado, canola, peanut). Massage a tbsp of the F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning into the meat, coating evenly. Let sit for 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Sear the Beef:
- Heat high heat oil (avocado, canola, peanut) in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until deeply caramelized on all sides (~5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (~3 minutes).
4. Deglaze & Braise:
- Pour in apple cider vinegar to scrape up browned bits. Add coffee, broth, F N Good Food Ketchup seasoning, brown sugar, and cocoa (if using). Stir until smooth.
- Return beef to the pot, ensuring liquid reaches halfway up the meat. Cover and braise in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 3–3.5 hours, until fork-tender.
5. Reduce the Sauce:
- Remove beef and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the braising liquid. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened to a glossy glaze (~10–15 minutes).
6. Serve:
- Shred or slice the beef and drizzle with the reduced coffee-tomato glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Creamy Polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- With Roasted Root Vegetables (carrots, parsnips) tossed in a pinch of the dry rub.
- As Tacos: Serve with pickled red onions, avocado, and warm tortillas.
Tips
- Instant Coffee Hack: Use 2 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1½ cups hot water.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for king oyster mushrooms. Use vegetable broth.
This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy meal.
Enjoy!
