Beef Tongseng Stir-Fry with Aromatic Spices (No Coconut Milk)

Tongseng Daging Sapi (Without Coconut Milk)

Ingredients

• Beef (as needed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• Large tomato, cut into chunks
• Cabbage, sliced
• Scallions, sliced
• Galangal, smashed
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)

Aromatics

For Slicing:

• Shallots
• Garlic
• Bird’s eye chilies

For Grinding:

• 4 cloves of shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon of coriander seeds
• 2 candlenuts
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 cm of ginger
• 1/2 cm of turmeric

Preparation Steps

1. Boil the Beef:
   Begin by boiling the beef until it is tender. Once cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces according to your preference.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the sliced aromatics (shallots, garlic, and chilies) until they become fragrant and translucent.

3. Add the Ground Spices:
   Add the ground spices mixture (shallots, garlic, coriander, candlenuts, cumin, ginger, and turmeric) to the pan. Continue sautéing until the spices release their aroma and become fragrant.

4. Incorporate the Herbs:
   Add the smashed galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and a bit more ginger into the pan. Stir well to combine with the spices.

5. Cook the Beef:
   Add the cooked and sliced beef to the pan. Mix thoroughly to ensure the beef is well-coated with the aromatic spices and herbs.

6. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
   Add the sliced cabbage and tomato chunks to the pan. Pour in some water and sweet soy sauce, and stir in the scallions.

7. Simmer:
   Let the mixture simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

8. Season to Taste:
   Add sugar and salt according to your taste preferences. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

9. Serve:
   Once everything is well-cooked and flavorful, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Tongseng Daging Sapi hot with steamed rice.

This Tongseng Daging Sapi recipe, without the addition of coconut milk, offers a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for enjoying a traditional Indonesian meal. The combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds. Happy cooking!