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Even if you’re not familiar with braising, chances are it plays a role in some of your favorite foods—from fork-tender short ribs and meaty ragùs to a pot of brothy, savory beans. Whether you’re learning about the wonders of braising for the first time or popping in for a quick refresh, here are our best tips, tricks, products, and recipes.
Simply put, braising is the process of cooking something that’s partially submerged in a liquid, such as water, wine, or stock. Cooked low and slow, braising is known for its ability to break down large cuts of tough proteins and vegetables (and even fruit!), yielding a tender, juicy final product. Often, an additional step—of searing the protein or vegetable in question—is completed before beginning the braise. Doing so helps build a deeper, more complex flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction’s browning capabilities.
A trusty Dutch oven is a must-have for braising. Deeply functional, Dutch ovens are stellar at stovetop searing, can withstand long trips to the oven, and are large enough to handle substantial cuts of meat. A Dutch oven isn't the only tool that comes in handy, though—cast-iron skillets also make great braising vessels. Luckily, you can find Dutch ovens, cast-iron skillets, and many more braising-friendly products in our Shop.
There’s nothing like presenting a beautiful pot roast or saucy chicken thighs to a hungry crowd. And, since it’s a mostly hands-off endeavor, braising is an easy choice when preparing for dinner parties large and small. Here are a few of our favorite recipes.
Though it’s a method known for its ability to tenderize even the toughest cuts of beef and pork, braising is also a foolproof way to elevate any number of vegetables and legumes. Rather than being relegated to the side, these dishes will be the centerpiece of any meal, meatless or not.
We love braising's ability to transform the taste and texture of everyday, budget-friendly ingredients, from beans and brisket to a pile of onions.
These two gadgets do a great job of making the braising process even more streamlined: The Instant Pot acts as a pressure cooker, dramatically speeding up cooking times, while the slow cooker does the opposite—cooking low and slow, so you can have a warm meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
