Indonesian Spicy Beef Empal Gepuk: A Flavorful Traditional Delight

Spicy Indonesian Beef Empal Gepuk Recipe

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Empal Gepuk Daging Sapi, a mouthwatering beef dish renowned for its spicy, sweet, and savory profile. Perfectly tenderized beef, infused with a blend of aromatic spices and creamy coconut, is a treat that embodies the heart of Indonesian culinary tradition. Follow these steps to recreate this authentic delicacy at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef (preferably a cut like chuck or brisket)
• 5 bay leaves
• 2 segments of galangal (sliced)
• Spice Paste:
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 2 segments of galangal (sliced)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup grated coconut (thick coconut milk, about 2 glasses)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Palm sugar (to taste)
  • Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

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   • Clean the beef thoroughly. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
   • Add a pinch of salt, bay leaves, and slices of galangal to the boiling water.
   • Add the beef to the pot and cook until it is partially tender, about halfway cooked. This should take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the garlic, coriander seeds, slices of galangal, and a pinch of salt until finely blended.
   • Add the palm sugar and two bay leaves to the spice paste and mix well.

3. Tenderize the Beef:

   • Once the beef is partially cooked, remove it from the pot and drain.
   • Slice the beef into approximately 1 cm thick pieces.
   • Using a meat mallet or the back of a knife, gently pound each piece to flatten it. Be careful not to tear the meat.

4. Marinate and Simmer:

   • Place the flattened beef pieces into a large pan.
   • Add the prepared spice paste and the thick coconut milk to the pan.
   • Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spice mixture.
   • Simmer on low heat until the beef absorbs the flavors and the coconut milk reduces, thickening into a rich sauce. This process can take 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and palm sugar as needed.

5. Fry the Beef:

   • Heat some cooking oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the marinated beef pieces until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
   • Remove the beef from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.

6. Serve:

   • Your Empal Gepuk Daging Sapi is now ready to be enjoyed!
   • Serve this delectable dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.

This classic recipe brings together a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, capturing the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your homemade Empal Gepuk Daging Sapi, and savor the taste of traditional Indonesian cooking right in your own kitchen!