Prepare the vegetables - cut the onion, 3 pieces of tomato into chunks, 1 piece of tomato into 1" cubes. Cut potatoes into 1.5" cubes.
Prepare the beef - Cut the meat into 4 ~ 5 cm pieces, sprinkle some salt over the beef to dehydrate it, and then wipe it dry with kitchen paper. Set aside. (Note 1)
Fried potatoes - Heat the pot to high temperature, put the oil in and put the potatoes in. Don't turn them immediately. Wait until the bottom is golden brown and turn them again after 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside. (Note 2)
Put the beef in the same pot, don't overlap it or squeeze it so it doesn't get watery. Turn it only when the bottom has turned a nice brown color after 2-3 minutes. Add the ginger, star anise, cinnamon and bay leaves and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Then take out the beef on a plate. Set aside.
In the same pot, put the onions, fry them until translucent so that the beef strew becomes sweet and acquires flavor.
Put tomato over the onion, then add the beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup and water and cook on the stove for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
In the last 20 minutes, add the potatoes and 1' large diced tomatoes to the stew.
Ready to serve.