Tangy Tomato Beef and Mushroom Stew

Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort foods! This hearty and vibrant stew is a delightful journey of flavors, perfectly balancing savory, tangy, and rich notes in a way that will have you coming back for a second bowl. What I love most about this dish is how quickly it comes together—in just about 45 minutes, you can have a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal on the table. While the cooking technique is a simple braise, the result tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The unique sour and salty profile is incredibly appetizing, making this a perfect dish for any season. It’s wonderfully straightforward to prepare, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can create a truly spectacular meal that’s sure to impress. Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get our ingredients in order. The magic of this dish comes from a special sour soup base, which can often be found in Asian supermarkets. But don’t worry if you can’t find it! I’ve included a simple and delicious alternative you can make with common pantry items. For the Stew: Beef: 300g (about 2/3 lb) of sirloin or flank steak Oyster Mushrooms: 150g (about 5 oz). If you can’t find oyster mushrooms, cremini or shiitake mushrooms are a great substitute. Mung Bean Sprouts: 300g (about 10 oz), fresh and crisp. Tomatoes: 3 medium-sized, ripe and juicy. Scallions: 2-3 stalks, for garnish. Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons, such as canola, vegetable, or another neutral oil. Sugar: 2 teaspoons. Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Sour Soup Base: 1 packet. This is a key ingredient from Guizhou cuisine, known for its unique fermented tang. I discovered it on a trip and fell in love! If you can’t find a packet, you can create a wonderful substitute. DIY Sour…