Are you tired of bland, tasteless boiled meat? Look no further! Today, I’ll share with you my foolproof method for boiling meat that is packed with flavor and guaranteed to please your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking beef, chicken, or ground meat, this technique will elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
The Key to Mouthwatering Boiled Beef
In many Nigerian recipes, boiled meat plays a crucial role in determining the overall taste of the dish. A great stew or soup can be easily ruined by bland, uninspiring meat. That’s why it’s essential to cook with well-seasoned beef that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
If you’re new to Nigerian cuisine, you might wonder why we boil our meat before cooking. Well, in our Motherland, we don’t do rare meat. Boiling meat is a common practice in Nigeria and throughout West Africa. It allows us to incorporate the meat directly into soups, or use it grilled or fried. For example, take my popular Nigerian beef stew recipe or my mouthwatering chicken stew recipe—you’ll notice how the boiled meat enhances the overall taste.
Contrary to popular belief, boiling meat doesn’t make it tough. When cooked to perfection, the meat turns out tender, juicy, and sometimes even falling apart. Of course, the level of tenderness can be adjusted to suit your preferences—some prefer it firm but still tender enough to bite.
Unveiling the Secret Beef Seasoning
I like to keep my beef seasoning simple, allowing the meat’s natural flavors to shine through. Here’s what I use:
- Onion: Red or yellow, the choice is yours.
- Dried oregano and parsley: These herbs add a burst of flavor without overpowering the meat.
- White pepper: Just a hint of heat to enhance the taste. Adjust according to your preference.
- Stock powder (bouillon powder): You can use chicken or beef stock cubes or powder. For this recipe, I recommend chicken stock powder.
- Bay leaves
- Salt to taste: Start with 1 teaspoon for every 1 kg of meat when using stock cubes or powder.
Choosing the Perfect Cut of Meat
You can boil any cut of meat, depending on your preference. For today’s recipe, I’m using shin beef, but you can also try beef shoulder, chunks, brisket, rounds, ribs, or sirloin. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the cut you choose.
In Nigerian cuisine, we also use beef offal, often referred to as assorted meat. Offal, such as tripe and lung, requires longer cooking times. To prepare it, parboil the offal with salt and onions for about 10 minutes, rinse and clean it, then season and simmer on low heat until tender. Check out my delicious assorted meat pepper soup recipe to see how I parboil the meat before using it in dishes.
When boiling stew beef or beef tips, be careful not to overcook them. Boil them for about 10 to 15 minutes to retain their tenderness.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get started!
How to Boil Meat (Boiled Beef)
-
Start by washing and rinsing the meat under cold water. Remove any visible fat, but leave some to add flavor to the stock and beef.
-
Place the meat in a clean pot over low-medium heat. Add chopped onions, salt, stock powder, white pepper, oregano, parsley, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
-
Add ⅓ cup of water, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Check on the meat and add 1 cup of water. Stir again and continue cooking over medium heat until the meat reaches your desired level of tenderness. Cooking times may vary, but on average, it should take about 30 minutes.
Note: Avoid adding too much water, as the meat will release its own juices. Excess water will dilute the overall flavor of the dish.
Once the meat is cooked, separate it from the stock and use it in your favorite dishes. You can also choose to fry or grill the meat for a healthier option.
Storing Boiled Meat and Beef Stock
If you’re not using all the boiled meat at once, both the meat and the beef stock can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
For longer storage, you can freeze the boiled meat and beef stock for up to 3 months or even longer.
Nigerian Soup Recipes Using Boiled Meat
If you’re looking for delicious Nigerian soup recipes that feature boiled meat, here are a few to try:
- Afang soup
- Edikang Ikong
- Buka stew
Now that you know the secrets to perfectly boiled meat, it’s time to put your apron on, wash your hands, and get cooking!
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback. Tag me on Instagram @myactivekitchen and save the recipe to your Pinterest board.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE RATE IT AND LEAVE A COMMENT. USE #MYACTIVEKITCHEN OR TAG @MYACTIVEKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SEE YOUR PHOTOS. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS. THANK YOU!
Don’t forget to visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill for more amazing recipes and food inspiration.