Savory Beef Balado with Tangy Mixed Sauce

Mixed Sauce Beef Balado Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh beef, cut into thin slices (not too small, as they will shrink while cooking)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 8 bird’s eye chilies (adjust quantity to taste)
  • 1 large ripe tomato
  • 3 shallots
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (I used Bango brand)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in water
  • Flavor enhancer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Slice the beef into thin pieces, ensuring they are not too small as they will shrink during cooking.
   • Wash the beef and all other ingredients thoroughly.

2. Cook the Beef:

   • Place the beef in a pot and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the beef is tender. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot; just be prepared for a longer cooking time.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While waiting for the beef to become tender, prepare the spice paste. Blend the bird’s eye chilies, ripe tomato, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.
   • Add the kaffir lime leaves to the paste and grind until the leaves are well incorporated and the aroma of the spice paste becomes fragrant.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan. Sauté the spice paste along with the kaffir lime leaves until aromatic.
   • Drain the cooked beef from its liquid and add it to the pan with the spice paste. Stir to combine.

5. Add Liquid and Seasonings:

   • Pour in 1.5 cups of water (adjust to your desired amount of sauce). Cook the mixture until the water reduces and the beef is well coated with the spice paste.

6. Flavor the Dish:

   • Add the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, sugar, and optional flavor enhancer. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the flavors are well blended and the sauce has reduced slightly (it’s better to have a bit more sauce rather than too dry).

7. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add the cornstarch slurry and increase the heat slightly. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

8. Serve:

   • The Mixed Sauce Beef Balado is ready to enjoy while still warm. Note: If you forgot to buy kaffir lime leaves, don’t worry; the dish will still taste delicious, though it might lack some of the fresh aroma that the leaves provide.

This dish combines the rich flavors of beef with a spicy and tangy sauce, perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy this flavorful recipe with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.