Bakso Sapi: A Classic Indonesian Beef Meatball Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 250 grams finely ground beef (you can use a blender for a finer texture, but do it in small batches)
- 50 grams tapioca flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 stalk green onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of baking powder
For the Broth:
- A few beef bones for making the stock
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed and sautéed
- Salt, black pepper, and flavoring seasoning to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Finely chopped celery leaves
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- Place the finely ground beef into a blender or food processor. Blend until the meat is very smooth and almost paste-like.
- In a large bowl, combine the blended beef with tapioca flour, minced garlic, minced shallots, green onion (if using), egg white, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of baking powder.
- Knead the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well combined. The texture should be firm and pliable.
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Make the Broth:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beef bones and let them cook to make a flavorful stock.
- In a separate pan, sauté the crushed garlic until fragrant. Then add it to the pot with the beef bones.
- Season the broth with salt, black pepper, and flavoring seasoning to taste. Add the granulated sugar and continue to simmer for a richer flavor.
- Once the stock is well-seasoned, remove the beef bones and strain the broth if desired.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- With the broth simmering, use a spoon (or your hands for a more traditional approach) to shape the meatball mixture into small balls. Gently drop them into the simmering broth.
- Cook the meatballs until they float to the surface and are cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Final Touches:
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add the finely chopped celery leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Turn off the heat once everything is well-seasoned and the meatballs are fully cooked.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the bakso sapi hot, with the broth and meatballs in bowls. For added delight, you can include cooked noodles and a dollop of sambal for extra spice.
- Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Indonesian dish!
This Bakso Sapi recipe brings the comforting flavors of Indonesian meatball soup right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish combines tender meatballs with a savory broth that’s both satisfying and delicious.
