Shin of beef with ginger and soy

Heat the oil or fat in a wide, heavy-based flameproof casserole.

Season the pieces of meat with salt and pepper and brown them in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan, turning them to colour all over. Remove each batch and set aside while you brown the rest. The meat may curl up a bit as the membranes contract with the heat, especially if the slices are on the bone; snipping the membranes will help release the tension and flatten the meat out again. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the casserole and set aside on a plate.

Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic and ginger to the casserole and cook gently until softened but not coloured. Add the jam or jelly and soy sauce, mix well, then return the meat to the casserole, in a single layer if possible. Pour in enough apple juice barely to cover the meat. Add the vinegar, whole chillies and a few grinds of black pepper, then cover and place in an oven preheated to 120°C/Gas Mark ½. Cook for 2½–3 hours, until the meat is completely tender.

The garlic and ginger should just about hold their shape and should be eaten with the meat. The chillies will have done their job and can be discarded – or nibbled by anyone brave enough. Serve with noodles and steamed greens.