Sapi Lada Hitam (Indonesian Black Pepper Beef)
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of beef, cut into small pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 shallots, minced
- 8 large red chilies, sliced diagonally
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 packet of Saori black pepper seasoning (or any black pepper seasoning mix)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 2 stalks of green onions, chopped
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- Seasoning (optional, to taste)
- Water as needed
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by finely mincing the garlic and shallots. Slice the red chilies diagonally for a vibrant and flavorful kick. Cut the tomatoes into quarters, chop the green onions and celery, and cut the beef into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Cooking the Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, shallots, sliced chilies, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant and the garlic and shallots are golden brown.
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Browning the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry until the beef changes color and starts to brown, ensuring that it is evenly cooked.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle in the Saori black pepper seasoning, and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Add salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). Mix everything thoroughly.
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Simmering: Pour in enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together, about 30-45 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or seasoning if needed.
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Adding Vegetables: Once the beef is tender, stir in the quartered tomatoes, chopped green onions, and celery. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and blend with the sauce.
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Finishing Touches: Check the final seasoning, and adjust as necessary. Once the dish is well-seasoned and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat.
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Serving: Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of Sapi Lada Hitam with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy this savory and aromatic Indonesian beef dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. Happy cooking! 😊
