Ca Kangkung Sapi Kuah Kental: Savory Beef and Water Spinach Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kangkung (water spinach), cut into 3 cm segments
- 50 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced as desired
- 1 medium red tomato, cut into 6 wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 red chilies (optional, omitted if you prefer a non-spicy dish)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt, to taste
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Beef:
Begin by boiling the beef until it is fully cooked. Once tender, remove it from the pot, let it cool slightly, and cut into bite-sized pieces. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a pan, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced shallots. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown. -
Create the Broth:
Pour a generous amount of water into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Bring it to a simmer. Add the previously cooked beef, shiitake mushrooms, and tomato wedges to the pan. Also, include any reserved beef broth for extra flavor. Season with salt to taste. (No additional oyster sauce is needed as the shiitake mushrooms provide ample umami flavor.) -
Thicken the Stew:
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of water to make a slurry. Once the water in the pan is boiling and has small bubbles, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture. Allow the stew to simmer briefly until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, the cornstarch must be added to boiling water to effectively thicken the sauce. -
Add the Kangkung:
Once the stew has thickened, quickly add the kangkung. Stir rapidly to ensure even cooking. Once the kangkung is well-mixed and just wilted, remove the pan from heat. -
Serve Immediately:
Transfer the stew to a serving dish and serve hot. Enjoy the dish right away to preserve the vibrant green color and fresh texture of the kangkung.
Note: Kangkung cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. The vibrant green color and crisp texture are best maintained by keeping the cooking time short.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful stew that perfectly blends tender beef, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and fresh kangkung in a rich, savory broth!
