Vas A Sorprender Con Este Estofado DE Carne
VAS A SORPRENDER CON ESTE ESTOFADO DE CARNE is a medium Peruvian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Giacomo Bocchio on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $96.22 total, $24.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef Shank (front leg) (cut into 2‑inch cubes)
- 2 Tbsp Beef Tallow (rendered beef fat, can substitute pork lard or vegetable oil)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 200 g Boletus Mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms, cleaned)
- 2 Tbsp Ají Panca Paste (Peruvian red pepper paste)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (store‑bought)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Tacna style)
- 150 ml White Wine (dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 500 ml Beef Stock (Fond) (homemade or low‑sodium store‑bought)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and cut into large cubes)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled and cubed, keep in water to prevent oxidation)
- 100 g Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 Tbsp Raisins (plumped if dry)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, added at the end)
Instructions
Season and Cube Beef
Trim any excess fat, cut the beef shank into 2‑inch cubes and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Sear the Beef
Heat beef tallow in the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, leave undisturbed for 2‑3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust, then turn to brown all sides.
Time: PT8M
Remove Beef
Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Deglaze the Pan
Add a splash of water or wine to the hot skillet, scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and begins to caramelize.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Time: PT1M
Build the Flavor Base
Add ground cumin, bay leaf, sliced boletus mushrooms, ají panca paste, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Stir to coat the vegetables and release aromas.
Time: PT3M
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine, increase heat to medium‑high and let it reduce by half, scraping any remaining fond.
Time: PT4M
Return Beef and Add Stock
Return the seared beef to the skillet, pour in the beef stock, and give everything a good stir.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Pressure Cooker
Carefully pour the entire mixture into the pressure cooker, seal the lid, and ensure the vent is closed.
Time: PT2M
Pressure Cook
Bring the cooker to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes. Once pressure is reached, lower the heat to maintain steady pressure.
Time: PT30M
Release Pressure
After 30 minutes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
Time: PT5M
Prep Vegetables While Cooking
While the meat is under pressure, peel and cube the potatoes and carrots; keep the potatoes submerged in cold water to avoid oxidation.
Time: PT10M
Add Vegetables and Raisins
Open the pressure cooker, add the potato cubes, carrot pieces, peas, and raisins. Stir to combine.
Time: PT3M
Finish Cooking Without Pressure
Close the lid (no pressure), set the cooker on low heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork‑tender.
Time: PT10M
Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a pinch more cumin if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stew and give a final stir.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo-Friendly
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Shank (front leg): Beef Chuck, Beef Brisket
- Instead of Beef Tallow: Pork Lard, Vegetable Oil
- Instead of Boletus Mushrooms: Cremini Mushrooms, Portobello
- Instead of Ají Panca Paste: Ancho Chile Paste, Paprika + a touch of cayenne
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato purée
- Instead of Dried Oregano (Tacna style): Mexican Oregano
- Instead of White Wine: Chicken broth + splash of vinegar
- Instead of Beef Stock (Fond): Vegetable Stock
- Instead of Potatoes: Yukon Gold, Russet
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Large Skillet (non‑stick)
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
- Plate for serving (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the beef to develop fond
- Deglazing the pan to capture caramelized bits
- Maintaining proper pressure‑cooking time (30 min)
- Stirring every 5‑7 minutes during pressure cooking to avoid scorching
- Adding potatoes and carrots after pressure release to prevent them from disintegrating
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using beef tallow instead of oil adds authentic richness and a slightly nutty flavor.
- A pinch of raisins adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the wine and tomato.
- Fresh oregano from Tacna (or Mexican oregano) gives the stew its characteristic Peruvian aroma.
Troubleshooting
Meat is still tough after cooking.
Increase pressure cooking time by 5‑10 minutes or ensure the pressure cooker reached full pressure before timing.
Stew is too watery.
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or mash a few potato pieces into the broth.
Fond sticks to the bottom and burns.
Stir gently every 5‑7 minutes during pressure cooking and add a splash of stock if the bottom looks dry.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool within 2 hours; store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion and freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season and sear the beef a day ahead; keep it refrigerated and add stock when ready to cook.
- Prepare homemade beef stock in advance; it deepens flavor.
- Pre‑cut vegetables and store them in water in the fridge to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Estofado de Carne de Res in Peruvian cuisine?
Estofado de carne de res is a classic comfort dish in Peru, rooted in Spanish braising techniques and adapted with local ingredients like ají panca, oregano from Tacna, and raisins. It reflects the blend of indigenous Andean flavors and colonial influences, often served on family gatherings and Sunday meals.
What traditional regional variations of Estofado de Carne de Res exist in Peruvian cuisine?
In the coastal regions, cooks may add fish sauce or chilca; in the highlands, they often use chuño (freeze‑dried potatoes) and replace ají panca with aji amarillo. The Amazonian version can include plantains and native herbs. Each variation showcases local produce while keeping the braised‑meat core.
How is Estofado de Carne de Res traditionally served in Peru?
Traditionally the stew is ladled over white rice or served alongside boiled potatoes and a simple salad of lettuce and tomato. It is also enjoyed with crusty Peruvian pan (pan francés) to soak up the rich broth.
On what occasions is Estofado de Carne de Res typically prepared in Peruvian culture?
The stew is a staple for family reunions, holidays such as Independence Day, and rainy‑day comfort meals. Its hearty nature makes it popular for weekend lunches and festive gatherings.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Peruvian Estofado de Carne de Res versus acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients include beef shank, beef tallow, ají panca paste, dried oregano from Tacna, and raisins. Substitutes can be pork lard for tallow, ancho chile paste for ají panca, and regular oregano if Tacna oregano is unavailable.
What other Peruvian dishes pair well with Estofado de Carne de Res?
Pair the stew with arroz blanco (white rice), papa a la huancaína (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce), or a simple ensalada de tomate (tomato salad). A glass of Peruvian pisco sour balances the richness nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Estofado de Carne de Res?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan during searing, not deglazing the fond, under‑cooking the meat in the pressure cooker, and forgetting to stir during pressure cooking, which can cause the sauce to scorch.
Why does this Estofado de Carne de Res recipe use a pressure cooker instead of a traditional low‑and‑slow braise?
The pressure cooker reduces the cooking time three‑fold while still breaking down collagen, giving tender meat and concentrated flavors in about 30 minutes, making the dish more accessible for home cooks with limited time.
Can I make Estofado de Carne de Res ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew improves after a few hours as flavors meld. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Estofado de Carne de Res is done?
The beef should be fork‑tender but still hold its shape, the broth should be glossy and slightly thickened, and the vegetables should be cooked through yet retain a bite. The stew should have a deep reddish‑brown color from the ají panca and tomato.
What does the YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio specialize in?
The YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio focuses on elevating home cooking skills, offering step‑by‑step tutorials, culinary fundamentals, and exclusive member content that blends classic techniques with Latin American flavors.
How does the YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio's approach to Peruvian cooking differ from other Peruvian cooking channels?
Giacomo Bocchio emphasizes scientific explanations of heat, pressure, and flavor development, often using modern equipment like pressure cookers, while many other Peruvian channels stick to traditional stovetop methods without detailed technique breakdowns.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






