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Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Stew, known as Boeuf Bourguignon, delivers the ultimate comfort in a bowl. This authentic recipe from his Les Halles Cookbook transforms humble ingredients into tender, wine-braised beef with a rich, silky sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless beef chuck or shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

4 medium yellow onions (about 2 pounds total), halved and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup dry red Burgundy wine, like Pinot Noir (inexpensive table wine works)

6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 garlic clove, smashed

1 bouquet garni (tie together 3 thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, and parsley stems)

1 1/2 cups water, plus more as needed (up to 3 cups total)

2 tablespoons demi-glace (optional, for extra richness; find shelf-stable online)

Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a good sear.

2. Heat half the olive oil in Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Sear beef in batches, turning for even browning, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding, or it steams instead of browns. Transfer to a plate.

3. Lower heat to medium-high. Add onions and remaining oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 10 minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Pour in wine, scraping browned bits (fond) from the pot bottom for maximum flavor.

5. Return beef and juices to pot. Add carrots, garlic, bouquet garni, 1 1/2 cups water, and demi-glace if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low simmer. Cook uncovered 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until meat is tender.

6. Every 15 to 20 minutes, stir, scrape bottom to prevent sticking, and skim foam or oil from surface. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water as needed to keep liquid ample; onions will melt into a thick sauce.

7. Discard bouquet garni. Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Pro tips: Sear in batches to avoid steaming. Wine choice: Pinot Noir adds fruitiness. Demi-glace optional but boosts richness. Make ahead: Flavors improve overnight. Storage: Refrigerate 3 days, freeze 3 months.

Variations: Instant Pot – 45 min high pressure. Slow cooker – 8 hours low after searing.

Pair with mashed potatoes and crusty bread.

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