Tomato Stew Japanese-Style: Unexpected Flavor Explosion

Tomato Stew Directions

• Season And Brown The Meat
  Season 150g beef slices with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with 1 tablespoon flour. Heat a deep pot or skillet and add a small amount of oil. Brown the meat on all sides until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside. This initial browning creates essential flavor components through caramelization.
• Create Aromatic Base
  In the same pot, add diced onion (1/2 medium) and sauté until it begins to turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2g minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The aromatic foundation builds layers of flavor in the final stew.
• Deglaze With Wine
  Add 100ml red wine to the pot, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the alcohol to cook off by bringing to a boil for 1-2 minutes. The wine adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat during cooking.
• Add Vegetables
  Add 1/4 medium carrot cut into chunks, 1 medium potato quartered, and 20g sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the flavorful liquid. The variety of vegetables creates textural interest in the finished stew.
• Incorporate Tomato Elements
  Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 110g tomato puree, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 crumbled consommé cube, 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 bay leaf. Pour in 200ml water and stir gently to combine all ingredients. The combination of tomato products provides depth while maintaining brightness.
• Simmer To Perfection
  Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cover partially and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and continue cooking until vegetables are tender and sauce has reduced to desired consistency, about 15-20 additional minutes.
• Finish With Balance
  Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a slightly sweeter profile, add a small amount of additional ketchup. If sauce needs thickening, combine 1 tablespoon each of water and cornstarch, then stir into the simmering stew until it reaches desired consistency.
• Serve Elegantly
  Ladle the stew into shallow bowls, making sure each portion includes a good balance of meat, vegetables, and sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a small side of blanched broccoli for color contrast. Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.