Chinese (Cantonese) Braised Beef Stew

Name: Chinese (Cantonese) Braised Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef rough flank; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 7 slices ginger; 5 cloves; 3 pieces star anise; 3 bay leaves; 1 cup Shaoxing wine; 3 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 5 cups water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 pounds daikon radish ((peeled and cut into 1½- to 2-inch/4-5cm pieces)); salt ((to taste)); 3 scallions ((cut on a diagonal into 2-inch pieces)); 1 tablespoon cornstarch ((mixed into a slurry with 2 tablespoons water, optional))