Rich Indonesian Beef Curry with Coconut Milk

Indonesian Beef Curry (Gulai Daging Sapi) Recipe

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this traditional Gulai Daging Sapi, a savory beef curry that combines tender chunks of beef with a fragrant blend of spices and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a special gathering, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef (diced into chunks)
• 500 ml coconut milk
• 2 liters water
• 3 cm galangal (crushed)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
• 2 cm ginger (crushed)
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 5 bay leaves
• 2 cloves
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (left whole)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 cm turmeric
• 5 red chilies
• 5 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Begin by boiling the beef chunks in 2 liters of water until they become tender. This may take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Once tender, remove the beef and set aside. Keep the beef broth for later use.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the beef is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, red chilies, candlenuts, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and cumin seeds into a smooth paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the crushed ginger, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and cloves. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine with Beef:

   • Pour the spice mixture into the pot with the boiled beef. Stir well to ensure that the beef is coated with the spice mixture. Let it cook until the liquid reduces slightly.

6. Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chilies:

   • Add the coconut milk and whole bird’s eye chilies to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the curry to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the coconut milk thickens and the flavors meld together. Be careful not to let the coconut milk boil too hard to prevent it from curdling.

7. Season the Curry:

   • Season the curry with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

8. Final Touches:

   • Continue to simmer the curry until it reaches your desired consistency and the beef is thoroughly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

9. Serve:

   • Once the curry is done, remove from heat. Garnish with fried shallots before serving.

10. Enjoy:

    • Serve the Gulai Daging Sapi hot with steamed rice or traditional Indonesian rice cakes for a complete meal.

This Gulai Daging Sapi recipe delivers a deliciously aromatic and flavorful beef curry that highlights the vibrant essence of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for impressing your family and friends, this dish is a true representation of the art of cooking with rich spices and creamy coconut milk.