Skip to main content
Epicurious

Beef Reduction

4.5

(5)

The reduction can stand in for some of the beef stock in French onion soup, pot roast, and beef stew, where it will add flavor and richness.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

Olive oil
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds beef shank pieces
2 large carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup brandy
4 cups water
4 cups low-salt beef broth
3 large fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush heavy large roasting pan with olive oil. Place shank pieces in prepared pan; scatter carrots and onion around shanks. Roast until meat is brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer beef and vegetables to heavy large saucepan. Place roasting pan over medium heat. Add brandy and stir 1 minute, scraping up browned bits, then add to beef and vegetables. Add 4 cups water, beef broth, and thyme sprigs. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until liquid is reduced to 2 cups, about 2 1/2 hours.

    Step 2

    Strain broth. Chill uncovered until cool, then cover and keep chilled. Remove fat from surface. DO AHEAD:Can be made 4 days ahead. Keep chilled.

TagsStockSauceBrandyAlcoholBeveragesBeef ShankBeefMeatCarrotRoot VegetableVegetableOnionDinnerDairy FreeNut FreeGluten FreeKetoMake AheadMeal PrepSimmerBon Appétit
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Chicken Meatballs With Sesame Green Beans
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Dulce de Leche
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.