Anyone who cooks knows how to braise, but very few can tell you how they do it. Braising is a mystery, not because it’s tricky, but simply because most cooks don’t know what it means.
The confusion stems from braising’s dual nature. Braising is a composite cooking technique. First the ingredient is browned, either by sautéing, broiling, or grilling, and then it is simmered until it is cooked through. The initial step creates flavor, and the simmering step ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.