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Classic Trinchado is a spicy beef stew, and it is so easy to make.
What is Trinchado Beef?
Trinchado is a spicy beef stew and is a very popular dish in Portuguese restaurants in South Africa. It is made from tender strips of beef cooked in a tomato and onion-based sauce, flavored with peri-peri, garlic, and red wine. Served as a starter, Trinchado is normally just accompanied by a crusty Portuguese roll.
We have lots and lots of Beef Recipes to try out

Classic Trinchado
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 1/4 hours
- Yield: 4 generous portions 1x
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Classic Trinchado is a delicious South African dish. It is a spicy beef stew, and it is so easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 tablespoons Worcester or soy sauce
- 1 – 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1kg cubed beef
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 or 4 small hot red chili peppers stemmed and chopped (retain seeds) I used 4 chillies but only the seeds of 2 and the heat was perfect.
- 6 – 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup red wine or 1/2 cup brandy
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinade the beef in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce) and balsamic vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes.
- This will ensure that tougher cuts of meat are tender once cooked.
- Rinse marinade off meat before browning.
- In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon margarine and 1 tablespoon oil.
- When melted and sizzling, add about 1/4 of the beef and brown well.
- Remove the beef cubes from the saucepan, place them in a bowl, and set them aside.
- Repeat with the remainder of the beef but in 3 batches.
- Add 1 tablespoon of margarine and 1 tablespoon of oil between the batches as needed.
- Each batch should brown for about 3 to 4 minutes so the juices are sealed in.
- Remove the beef and reduce the heat.
- Add onions, chili, and the seeds, and cook for 5 minutes, or until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion/garlic mixture and stir for about 2 minutes or until thick.
- Add the stock, red wine (or brandy), and bay leaves.
- Stir until the sauce thickens and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the beef cubes together with any juice that may be in the bowl.
- Leave to simmer for about 20 minutes or until beef is tender and cooked. (I never simmer for this long as I personally feel the beef gets tougher).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with fresh bread or rolls
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Bonita from The Recipe Hunter: Tried and Tested Recipes from Home Chefs
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 2324
- Sugar: 38.1 g
- Sodium: 4721.8 mg
- Fat: 90.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 93.7 g
- Fiber: 8.5 g
- Protein: 236.4 g
- Cholesterol: 597.9 mg
Keywords: Trinchado
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Hmmmm sounds like a taste of home Esme. Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
I am sure you will enjoy it as it will bring back some memories from home. Enjoy dear friend.