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Ingredient guide

Beef

Nihari, qeema, kabab, burgers and stir-fries. Tough, collagen-rich cuts want hours; tender cuts want a very hot pan and a short time.

Popular recipes

Cook with beef

All 28
Overhead view of beef nihariPakistani

Beef Nihari

Beef shank slow-cooked in a spiced gravy thickened with toasted flour. A weekend project that mostly cooks itself.

4 h 30 minServes 6
Golden shallow-fried shami kababs on a plate with green chutney, lemon wedges and sliced onionsPakistani

Shami Kabab

Soft, well-spiced patties of beef and split chickpeas, with a fresh mint, onion and green chilli centre. Shallow-fried until crisp outside, they suit tea time and Ramadan tables.

1 h 30 minServes 6
Slices of glazed beef meatloaf on a wooden board with mashed potatoes and green beansAmerican

Beef Meatloaf with Tangy Ketchup Glaze

A tender, juicy loaf of seasoned beef mince topped with a sticky sweet-tangy glaze. It's an easy family dinner that slices neatly and makes good sandwiches the next day.

1 h 35 minServes 6
Overhead view of smash burgersAmerican

Smash Burgers

Thin beef patties smashed onto a very hot pan for a lacy, crusted edge, stacked with cheese and pickles in a soft bun.

20 minServes 4
Bun kabab with a golden egg-coated beef patty, onion, tomato and green chutney in a toasted bun on a wooden boardPakistani

Bun Kabab

A spiced beef and potato patty, dipped in egg and shallow-fried until golden, then tucked into a toasted bun with mint chutney, onion and tomato. It is the classic Karachi street-side snack, easy to make at home.

1 h 10 minServes 6
Wide pan of beef sukiyaki with sliced beef, tofu, cabbage, mushrooms and noodles in a glossy soy broth, with rice and a bowl of beaten eggJapanese

Beef Sukiyaki

Thinly sliced beef, tofu and vegetables simmered in a sweet-savoury soy broth in one wide pan. Cook it at the table for a relaxed, shared weeknight dinner.

45 minServes 4
Platter of charred Bihari Boti beef strips with lemon wedges, sliced onions and parathaPakistani

Bihari Boti

Thin beef strips tenderised with raw papaya, marinated in roasted spices, poppy seeds and mustard oil, slow-cooked until soft, then grilled for charred edges. Lovely with paratha or naan.

6 h 50 minServes 4
Pot of Pakistani beef pulao with golden basmati rice, beef pieces, browned onions and fresh herbsPakistani

Beef Pulao with Browned Onions and Whole Spices

A everyday-style Pakistani pulao where beef is browned with onions and yogurt, then cooked with basmati in its own rich stock. Fragrant, full of flavour and made in one pot.

2 h 15 minServes 4

Cooking tips

  • Shank and shin for nihari and slow curries; sirloin for bulgogi and stir-fries.
  • Slice against the grain for tender strips.
  • Pat dry and don’t crowd the pan when searing.

Substitutions

  • Mutton or lamb for beef in curries
  • Chicken mince for beef mince, cooked through fully

Storage

Raw steaks and cuts keep 3–5 days refrigerated; mince 1–2 days. Freeze up to 6 months.

Preparation

Freeze for 30 minutes before slicing thinly. Trim silver skin from curry cuts; leave some fat for flavour.