Crispy Indonesian Beef Ribs with Spicy Sambal and Garlic

Crispy Indonesian Beef Ribs (Iga Sapi Penyet)

Experience the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable Crispy Indonesian Beef Ribs recipe. This dish combines tender, braised beef ribs with a crispy exterior and a flavorful sambal for a truly satisfying meal. Ideal for those who love a bit of spice and enjoy savory, aromatic dishes.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Ribs:

• 700 grams beef ribs, cleaned
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 3 bay leaves
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 600 ml water
• Sugar, salt, and seasoning to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 6 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts, toasted
• 1-inch piece of turmeric
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 2 teaspoons toasted coriander seeds

For the Sambal:

• Red chili peppers, to taste
• Red bird’s eye chilies, to taste
• 3 shallots
• Sugar and salt, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic

For Garnishing:

• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, toasted candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, and toasted coriander seeds into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the smashed lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant and the paste has slightly caramelized.

3. Cook the Beef Ribs:

   • Add the cleaned beef ribs to the pan. Pour in 600 ml of water, and season with sugar, salt, and seasoning according to your taste. Stir to combine.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Let the beef ribs braise gently until they are tender and the liquid has reduced significantly. This process should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to occasionally check and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Fry the Beef Ribs:

   • Once the ribs are tender, heat a generous amount of oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Fry the beef ribs in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Sambal:

   • In the meantime, prepare the sambal. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and fry the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic until they are slightly wilted.
   • Transfer the fried ingredients to a mortar and pestle or food processor. Grind into a smooth paste. Season with sugar and salt to taste.
   • Return the sambal to the pan and cook over low heat until the sambal is aromatic and cooked through. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. Prepare the Garnish:

   • In a small pan, heat a little oil and fry the finely chopped garlic until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

7. Serve:

   • Arrange the crispy beef ribs on a serving plate. Top with the freshly made sambal and sprinkle with the crispy garlic for added flavor and crunch.

Enjoy your Crispy Indonesian Beef Ribs with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. This recipe brings together the complex flavors of Indonesian cuisine and is perfect for sharing with family and friends!