Beef Rolls（牛肉卷饼） - Posting for Chef Jim

Okay, it is not difficult to see commonality in food across cultures. I call this one beef burrito （rolls) as it is the closest I could relate to in form though in spirit, they are quite different at least according to my stomach. I am posting for chef Jim as he is too lazy to post or too busy to cook nowadays. : ) In order to cook good food, you really need to emotionally connect to them first. Good food, good mood. : )

First, braise the beef shanks. You can buy several pieces and do a mass production. : ) Braised beef shank is such a common Chinese dish that many families probably follow a standard procedure with minor variations in steps and ingredients. I like to follow this video recipe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esz2fBMGkPE

Braising is one of the cooking techniques that takes a lot of patience. To me, all cooking is a combination of art and science. The precision of the temperature and the time is hard science. Sometimes, missing one step or cooking too long or too short would make a huge difference. When rushed, the quality of the dish is very likely comprised. Once the essential steps are followed, using certain substitutes or adding other ingredients definitely involves creativity. I may do the same dish with different sources and ingredients every time based on what are available in my kitchen.

Sliced braised beef shank

This picture is taken from the website and I promise you I will remember to take one of our own. : )

Second, make the wrappings. The highest standard would be making it from scratch which will take a lot of time and energy. Most likely my mom will do it that way. In some restaurants, in less authentic way or let's say Asian fusion approach, you may find chef use a soft tortilla as a substitute. For chef Jim, he uses a better substitute (as shown in the picture below) to achieve about the same authenticity with less time. You can buy this kind of frozen green onion pancake in most Asian supermarket. They may come in different brands. Very easy to cook. Just pan fry them one by one. Each may take about 5 minutes.

You can buy this one from Great wall supermarket in falls church or Lotte supermarket.

If you really want to challenge yourself to make the wrapping from scratch, you can follow this video instruction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b1IGoiKm5o

Once the wrappings are ready, you can put slices of braised beef onto the pancake. Add sliced cucumber, diced cilantro (optional) and fresh sliced scallion or anything else you would like to add in. You may also drop a bit hot sauce and/or oyster sauce onto the beef. Roll it up, cut into sections. Here you go! Photo credit: Chef Bobo

Love the crispy pancake and juicy tasty braised beef!