Step 1 of 6
Stifado
Pat the beef dry. Heat half the oil in a heavy pot over high heat and brown the beef well in batches, about 10 minutes in all. Set it aside.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Stifado take?
3 hr 25 min all in — 40 min prep, 2 hr 30 min cook, 15 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Treat yourself — about $28+ USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
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What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Frying pan, Saucepan, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 2 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Pearl onions → Small shallots, peeled and left whole. The most common stand-in outside Greece. Slightly sharper; brown them the same way. Beef → Rabbit, jointed. The island version. Brown it well and cut the total simmering time to about 1½ hours.
Any tips from this recipe?
Make it the day before. The sauce sets, the flavours settle, and any fat lifts off easily when cold. The sauce should taste sweet and sharp at once. If it is flat, add a few drops more vinegar at the end.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.