Ingredients

• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup zhenjiang black vinegar (see tip)
• ¼ cup water
• 5 1/4-inch-thick coins fresh ginger, plus 1/2 cup julienned, divided
• 2 medium whole star anise
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3-pound beef chuck roast, trimmed
• ½ large sweet onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slivers
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 medium scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh red thai chile peppers, thinly sliced