Semur Daging Sapi: A Savory Indonesian Beef Stew
Ingredients:

- 1/2 kg beef, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 5 shallots
- 1 nutmeg seed (kemiri)
- 5 red chilies
- 3 stalks green onions (daun bawang)
- 1 packet of coarse spice mix (black pepper, cloves, cinnamon)
- 1 segment of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1 segment of ginger
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah)
- Salt, to taste
- Flavor enhancer, to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef: Begin by thinly slicing the beef and washing it thoroughly. Set aside.
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Blend the Spices: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and nutmeg seed. Blend until smooth. Add the coarse spice mix (black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon) to the blended mixture and pulse briefly to combine.
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Prep Aromatics: Lightly crush the lemongrass, galangal, and ginger. This helps release their essential flavors.
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Fry the Shallots: Slice half of the shallots thinly and fry them in a pan until crispy and golden brown. These will be used as a garnish later.
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Cook the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
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Add Aromatics: Introduce the crushed lemongrass, galangal, and ginger to the pot. Stir well and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Season the Stew: Add salt and flavor enhancer to taste. Stir in the palm sugar and sweet soy sauce, adjusting the quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
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Simmer the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the pot and pour in enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Cook until the beef is tender and the flavors have infused, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Finish the Dish: Once the beef is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, red chilies, and fried shallots. The residual heat will slightly soften the green onions and chilies, enhancing their flavor without overcooking them.
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Serve: Your Semur Daging Sapi is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.
This rich, aromatic stew is perfect for a comforting meal and brings the essence of Indonesian cuisine to your table. Enjoy every flavorful bite!