Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew Hearty Beef and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and diced (optional) 1 cup pearl barley 8 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Directions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more to deepen the flavor. Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, parsnip (if using), barley, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #beefandbarleystew #heartymeals #comfortfood #soulfood #chefjohnrecipe #winterwarmers #onepotmeal #stewseason #wholesomecooking #classicrecipes #barleydishes #slowcookedbeef #dutchovenrecipes #homemadestew #rootvegetables #herbandbeef #heartyrecipes #simmeredgoodness #beefstewlove #familydinners Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Stew! This Chef John classic is rich, rustic, and full of deep flavor.

Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce Sweet and Savory Homemade Teriyaki Marinade & Glaze Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with dry sherry) 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water Directions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use as a marinade or brush over grilled meats, tofu, or vegetables. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 90 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: Makes about 1 cup #teriyakisauce #homemadetakeout #asianflavors #easyteriyaki #homemadesauces #japaneseinspired #teriyakimarinade #sweetandsavory #quickrecipes #mealprepideas #saucerecipe #stirfrygoals #garlicandginger #saucemagic #homemadeglaze #soybasedsauce #umamirich #flavorboost #cookfromscratch #kitchenessentials Make your meals sing with this homemade teriyaki sauce! Perfect for marinating, glazing, or dipping—this sweet and savory blend is your new secret weapon!

Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions Savory Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Crisp Spring Onions Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 6–8 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces Cooked white rice, for serving Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) Directions: Toss sliced beef with cornstarch in a large bowl until well-coated. Let sit for 10 minutes. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat with sauce. Add spring onions and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #mongolianbeef #beefrecipes #stirfry #springonions #easyasianrecipes #dinnerideas #beefstirfry #chinesetakeout #quickdinners #homemadechinesefood #ricebowl #weeknightdinner #soygarlic #gingerbeef #savorysauces #asiancuisine #glutenfreerecipe #flanksteak #beeflover #asianinspired This Mongolian Beef with Spring Onions is everything you love about takeout—sweet, savory, and done in under 30 minutes!

Quick Pickled Jalapeño Rings Zesty Quick Pickled Jalapeño Rings in a Tangy Vinegar Brine Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup water 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 tablespoon salt 8–10 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced into rings 2 cloves garlic, smashed 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional) 1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional) Directions: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Remove from heat. Pack sliced jalapeños, garlic, peppercorns, and optional spices into a clean 16-ounce glass jar. Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, though flavor improves after 24 hours. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling Kcal: 15 kcal | Servings: 1 jar (about 12 servings) #pickledjalapenos #spicyrecipes #quickpickles #easycondiments #jalapenolovers #homemadepickles #tangyflavors #spicysnacks #jalapenorings #hotandsour #vinegarbrine #diycondiments #refrigeratorpickles #zestylife #spicyeats #farmtotable #homemadegoodness #salsaready #pepperlovers #kitchenhacks These Quick Pickled Jalapeño Rings pack the perfect punch Add them to tacos, sandwiches, pizza—or eat them straight from the jar (we won't judge)!

Homemade Beef Jerky Smoky and Savory Homemade Beef Jerky Ingredients: 2 lbs lean beef (top round or flank steak), thinly sliced 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for added smoky flavor) Directions: Slice the beef into thin, uniform strips (freeze the meat for 30–60 minutes first to make slicing easier). In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke. Stir to mix well. Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and line two baking sheets with foil. Place a wire rack on each sheet. Lay the beef strips in a single layer across the wire racks, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 3–4 hours, flipping once halfway through, until the jerky is dry and firm but still slightly pliable. Let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating | Cooking Time: 3.5 hours | Total Time: approx. 4 hours Kcal: 165 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings #beefjerky #homemadejerky #jerkyrecipe #lowcarbsnack #proteinpacked #diyjerky #meatlovers #ovenjerky #savorysnacks #preservedmeat #jerkylovers #snackideas #homemadesnacks #foodprep #jerkytime #smokyflavor #beefrecipes #kitchensnack #beefsnack #flavorfulbites Making your own jerky at home is easier than you think! Try this savory, smoky Homemade Beef Jerky—packed with flavor, protein, and perfect for snacking on the go!