Homemade Beef Meatballs (Bakso Sapi)
Delve into the savory world of homemade Bakso Sapi, a delightful Indonesian beef meatball thatโs perfect for any occasion. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into delicious, hearty meatballs with a rich, comforting flavor. Hereโs a step-by-step guide to making Bakso Sapi from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 300 grams (10.5 oz) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 small ice cubes
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch (sago)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Mushroom seasoning, to taste
- Beef trimmings (optional, for broth)
For Serving:
- Corn vermicelli (bihun jagung)
- Green leafy vegetables (sawi ijo)
- Celery
- Green onions
- Fried shallots
- Chili sauce (sambal)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ground beef, egg, garlic, ice cubes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer the blended mixture into a dry bowl. Add the baking powder and tapioca starch. Mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, add the beef trimmings and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer to create a flavorful broth.
-
Form the Meatballs:
- With wet hands, take portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls (you can make them any size you prefer, though traditionally they are about 1-inch in diameter). Drop the meatballs gently into the simmering broth.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Continue to simmer the meatballs in the broth until they float to the surface and are cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, add chopped celery and green onions to the pot for added flavor.
-
Prepare the Garnishes:
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the corn vermicelli and green leafy vegetables according to package instructions.
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Assemble and Serve:
- In individual serving bowls, place some of the cooked vermicelli and vegetables. Ladle the meatballs and broth over the top. Garnish with fried shallots and serve with chili sauce (sambal) on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Bakso Sapi! Itโs a comforting dish thatโs sure to delight anyone who tries it. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite garnishes or add-ins. Happy cooking!
