Braising Steak

As with any cut, take your meat out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Remember, meat is a muscle and needs to relax before it is cooked.

Tips for stewing: Keep the meat in fairly big chunks, around 5cm (2in) cubes. This helps retain succulence. Start by browning the meat quickly at a high temperature in a little oil. This will help the meat develop a crust while keeping the inside pink. The crust is key to flavouring the dish. Add some vegetables - an onion or two, always - some herbs, a little stock and seasoning if required. Whether on the hob or in the oven, cook slowy (a good rule of thumb, is 2 hours) at a very low temperature (oven 140°C) until tender.

Please remove all paper wrapping from your meat and place it on a plate in the fridge away from cooked items. This allows air to circulate around it properly, helping to prolong shelf life.

Average shelf life: 2-3 days.

Vacuum-packed meat can be put straight in the fridge and has a longer shelf life.