Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic is a deeply comforting dish where slow-cooked beef meets the gentle sweetness of caramelized pineapple and the savory warmth of garlic. The meat becomes meltingly tender while absorbing layers of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors. Ideal for family dinners, cozy weekends, or colder days, this recipe brings restaurant-level depth to a home kitchen with calm, deliberate technique.
Servings – Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
Servings: 4–6 servings
Time Required for Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients for Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
Main Ingredients
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1.2 kg beef chuck or blade, cut into large 5–6 cm cubes
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250 g fresh pineapple rings or thick slices
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1 large onion (150 g), sliced
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8 garlic cloves (about 40 g), peeled and lightly crushed
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30 ml olive oil
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20 g unsalted butter
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500 ml beef stock (low sodium)
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60 ml soy sauce
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30 ml apple cider vinegar
Spices & Seasoning
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15 g brown sugar
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5 g smoked paprika
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3 g ground black pepper
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2 g dried thyme
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Salt to taste
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the flavor base.
Pat the beef dry thoroughly, then season evenly with salt and black pepper. Meanwhile, slice the pineapple and prepare the aromatics. This step is essential, as dry meat browns more efficiently and builds deeper flavor. -
Sear the beef.
Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each side until deeply golden. Next, transfer the beef to a plate, allowing the fond to remain in the pot. -
Caramelize the pineapple.
Reduce the heat slightly and add butter to the pot. Place the pineapple slices directly onto the hot surface and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Cook until golden and caramelized on both sides. Then remove and set aside. This process intensifies sweetness and balances the savory braise. -
Build the aromatic base.
In the same pot, add sliced onions and crushed garlic. Sauté gently, stirring frequently. Meanwhile, the onions soften and release sweetness while the garlic perfumes the oil without browning excessively. -
Deglaze and layer flavors.
Add apple cider vinegar to deglaze, scraping the bottom thoroughly. Next, pour in the soy sauce and beef stock. Stir well, then return the seared beef and any resting juices to the pot. -
Braise slowly.
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, check occasionally to ensure a steady, quiet simmer rather than a boil. -
Finish and serve.
Finally, add the caramelized pineapple back into the pot for the last 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot. The sauce should be glossy, aromatic, and deeply concentrated.
Variations of Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
With another meat: Substitute beef with pork shoulder or lamb shank for a similarly rich braise with a slightly sweeter profile.
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with roasted king oyster mushrooms and chickpeas, using vegetable stock and miso instead of soy sauce.
Creamier version: Stir in 60 ml coconut milk during the final 10 minutes for a velvety, tropical finish.
Spicier version: Add 5–10 g chili paste or fresh sliced chili during the onion stage for gentle heat.
Seasonal swap: Replace pineapple with caramelized pears or quince in autumn for a warmer, fruit-forward twist.
Tips for Perfect Results – Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
Choose the right cut: Well-marbled cuts like chuck or blade are ideal, as they break down slowly and become tender during braising.
Control the heat: Moreover, keep the braise at a gentle simmer. High heat can tighten the fibers and dull the sauce.
Enhance aroma: Lightly crushing garlic instead of chopping prevents bitterness and releases steady fragrance.
Storage and freezing: In addition, this dish stores well for up to 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen. Flavors deepen over time.
Avoid common mistakes: Do not overcrowd during searing, as this prevents browning and reduces overall depth.
Braised Beef with Caramelized Pineapple & Garlic
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the beef dry thoroughly and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the same pot. Place pineapple slices in the pot, sprinkle lightly with brown sugar, and caramelize on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onion and crushed garlic to the pot. Sauté gently until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze with apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom well. Add soy sauce and beef stock, then return the beef and its juices to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Add the caramelized pineapple during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
