Yes, you can use white wine instead of red wine in beef stew. While traditional beef stew recipes often call for red wine, white wine can be used as a substitute, and it will still impart a pleasant flavor to the dish.
When using white wine in beef stew, keep in mind that it has a lighter and more delicate flavor compared to red wine. It might not add the same depth of color and richness that red wine does, but it will still enhance the taste of the stew.
Here are some tips when substituting white wine in beef stew:
Choose a dry white wine: Opt for a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines have less sweetness, which is more suitable for savory dishes like beef stew.
Use a smaller amount: White wine tends to be more acidic than red wine, so you may want to use a slightly smaller amount in the recipe. Start with half the amount of wine suggested for the red wine and adjust to taste.
Consider adding beef broth: Since white wine is lighter in flavor, you might want to compensate by using beef broth to maintain the rich beefy taste of the stew.
Add it at the right time: Like with red wine, add the white wine to the stew during the cooking process. Deglaze the pot with wine after browning the beef and let it simmer to allow the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
Remember that cooking is an art, and experimentation with flavors is part of the fun. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your preferences. Happy cooking!