Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the belly, then you’ve come to the right place! This Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon is my go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when I want something comforting. It’s rich in flavor, hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites, and perfect for gatherings with family or friends. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, allowing you to enjoy your time with loved ones while the stew simmers away.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. The slow-cooked beef becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, while the fragrant herbs and vegetables create a depth of flavor that feels truly gourmet. Trust me; once you try this version of beef bourguignon, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This stew is packed with deep, savory flavors that develop beautifully as it cooks.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both adults and kids alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Ease: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
• Comforting Delight: Perfect for cold nights, this dish wraps you in warmth and satisfaction.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few wholesome ingredients, creating this masterpiece is easier than you might think.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients is half the fun! For this Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon, you’ll need some simple yet wholesome items that most likely you already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Stew

• 2 lb boneless beef shoulder or chuck cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
• 4 medium onions (halved and thinly sliced)
• 2 tbs all-purpose flour
• 1 cup red burgundy apple vinegar (such as pinot noir)
• 6 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bouquet garni (a tied bundle of herbs, typically thyme, bay and parsley)
• Water
• Demi-glace (optional)
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about beef bourguignon is its flexibility! You can easily switch up ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different twist on this classic dish.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or potatoes for extra heartiness and depth.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your stew an unexpected kick.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano if you’re out of thyme.

How to Make Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by patting the meat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps achieve that beautiful sear on the beef. Generously season it with salt and pepper—this enhances the flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Sear Your Beef

In a Dutch oven over high heat, heat half of the olive oil until shimmering. Searing in batches allows each piece of meat to brown nicely without steaming. The browning adds incredible flavor through caramelization. Once perfectly browned on all sides, transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Cook Your Onions

Reduce the heat to medium-high and toss those onions into the pot along with any remaining oil. Stir them occasionally until they soften and turn golden—this takes about 10 minutes. Sprinkling flour over them thickens your sauce later on; cook this mixture until thickened for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze with Vinegar

Once your onions are golden brown, add in that lovely red burgundy apple vinegar. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this is called “fond,” and it’s where much of your flavor comes from!

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

When your vinegar starts boiling, return all that beautiful seared meat along with its juices back into the pot. Add in those hearty carrots, crushed garlic clove, and bouquet garni. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water (and demi-glace if you’re using). Bring everything back to a boil before reducing heat for simmering.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Now comes the best part! Let your stew simmer uncovered until that beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender—about 2 to 2 ½ hours should do it! Stir occasionally and add water as needed if things start sticking. The goal here is to create an incredibly rich sauce that envelops every piece of beef.

Final Touches: Serve It Up!

After cooking, remove that bouquet garni and taste your masterpiece! Adjust seasonings if needed—more salt perhaps? Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving up this comforting delight!

And there you have it—Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon made right at home! Enjoy each spoonful knowing you’ve created something truly special.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon

Making this classic stew is a labor of love, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!

• Patience is key: Allow the stew to simmer slowly. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together and the meat becomes tender, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
• Don’t rush the browning: Searing the meat properly creates a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor through caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pot; work in batches if necessary.
• Watch your liquid levels: As you cook, keep an eye on how much liquid is in the pot. Adding water gradually ensures that your stew doesn’t dry out while allowing for a thick, luscious sauce.
• Taste as you go: Seasoning throughout the cooking process allows you to adjust flavors precisely. Don’t wait until the end; small adjustments can make a big difference!
• Let it rest: If possible, let your beef bourguignon rest for an hour or so after cooking. This helps settle the flavors and can make reheating even better when you serve it later.

How to Serve Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon

Presenting this hearty beef bourguignon can be just as delightful as making it! It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the stew.
• Zest of lemon: A hint of lemon zest just before serving can cut through the richness and add a lovely aromatic quality.

Side Dishes

• Crusty French bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce, crusty bread is an essential side that complements the stew beautifully.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with beef bourguignon, absorbing all those rich flavors.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the stew, adding complexity to your meal.
• Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the hearty nature of this dish and refresh your palate between bites.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with this exquisite dish! Enjoy every moment spent savoring Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the stew completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
• For best taste, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stovetop, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

How long does it take to make Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon?

The total time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including both prep and cook times. It’s worth every minute for that rich flavor!

Can I use different cuts of beef for this Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon?

Yes! While shoulder or chuck is recommended for its tenderness, other cuts like brisket or round can also work well. Just ensure they are suitable for slow cooking.

What can I serve with Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon?

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad for balance. Enjoy!

Is there a substitute for demi-glace in this recipe?

If you don’t have demi-glace on hand, you can skip it or use a concentrated beef stock as an alternative. The flavors will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this comforting and flavorful Copycat Anthony Bourdain’s Beef Bourguignon! It’s a dish that not only warms your belly but also brings friends and family together around the dinner table. Enjoy the process of making it as much as savoring each delicious bite. Happy cooking!