Beef Pares with Garlic Rice

Method

1. For the beef, heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic, onion and ginger until fragrant; add the beef and brown lightly on all sides.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, add the star anise and water or broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the beef is very tender, 1 1/2–2 hours, adding water as needed.
5. (You can also pressure cook for about 40 minutes.). For the pressure-cooker option, observe the appliance’s minimum liquid and fill limits; let pressure release as its instructions require and never force the lid open.
6. Stir in the brown sugar and simmer until the sauce is slightly thick and glossy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste; for the garlic rice, heat the oil in a pan.
8. Fry the garlic until lightly golden, then add the rice and stir-fry until heated through and fragrant.
9. Season lightly with salt.
10. Serve the beef over garlic rice with some of the braising sauce and a side of clear beef broth.