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1. Put beef into a pot filled with cold water (enough to cover the meat completely).
2. Bring the water to a full boil.
3. Use a spoon to skim off the froth on the surface.
4. Then drain well.
5. In a clean pot, fry onion in oil over medium-low heat until soft and lightly browned.
6. Stir in ginger and all the spices.
7. Fry until fragrant.
8. Add the beef, along with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine and hot water.
9. Bring it to a full boil then turn down the heat to low.
10. Cover with a lid.
11. Leave to simmer for about 1h30 until the meat becomes tender (see note 3 & 4).
12. Give the broth a taste, add a little salt if necessary.
13. Put potato and carrot chunks into the pot.
14. Add some water if it seems too dry.
15. Leave to simmer without the lid for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.
16. Turn the heat up to reduce the broth if you wish.
17. However, this step is entirely optional.
18. Garnish with coriander (cilantro) if using.
19. Serve immediately with plain rice.

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