Et Sote
Turkish Beef Sauté
A classic Turkish comfort food, Et Sote features tender cubes of beef sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and juicy tomatoes in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. This dish is known for its simplicity and deeply satisfying flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Beef chuck or sirloin(Cut into 2.5-3 cm (1-inch) cubes. Choose a cut like chuck for tenderness after slow cooking.)
- 4 Green bell peppers(Seeded and cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces.)
- 3 Ripe tomatoes(Peeled, seeded, and diced. Alternatively, use 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes.)
- 1 Yellow onion(Medium-sized, finely chopped.)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste(Concentrated tomato paste for depth of flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Butter(Unsalted butter.)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(Optional, for browning beef if needed.)
- 1 cup Water or beef broth(To create the sauce.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2-3 cloves Optional: Garlic(Minced, for added flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp Optional: Red pepper flakes(For a touch of heat.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: Cut the beef into uniform cubes. Chop the onion finely. Seed and chop the green peppers into bite-sized pieces. Peel, seed, and dice the tomatoes. Mince garlic if using.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sear the beef: Heat the butter (and optional olive oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. If using garlic, add it during the last minute of sautéing and cook until fragrant.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This step deepens its flavor. Pour in the water or beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Return the browned beef to the pot.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Simmer until tender: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check occasionally and add a splash more liquid if it becomes too dry.
⏱️ 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes - 6
Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped green peppers and diced tomatoes. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the tomatoes have broken down, creating a rich sauce.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 7
Final seasoning and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful. Serve hot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most tender beef, low and slow cooking is key. Ensure the liquid level is maintained throughout the simmering process.
- ✓Adding the peppers towards the end of cooking helps them retain a pleasant bite and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- ✓Et Sote is traditionally served with fluffy Turkish rice pilaf (pirinç pilavı) or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; this ensures a good sear rather than steaming the meat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cubed potatoes along with the peppers and tomatoes for a heartier dish.
- Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini during the last 30 minutes of simmering.