Crispy Indonesian Dendeng Sapi: Spicy Beef Jerky Delight

Dendeng Sapi: Indonesian Beef Jerky

Dendeng Sapi, a cherished delicacy from Indonesian cuisine, offers a delightful combination of tender beef and a rich, aromatic spice blend. This recipe transforms beef into crispy, flavorful jerky that’s perfect for serving with hot rice or enjoying as a savory snack. Follow these steps to create your own batch of Dendeng Sapi and savor the taste of Indonesia in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 250 grams Beef (Tenderloin or Sirloin)

  Related Articles

  • 
    Savory Sweet Soy Glazed Beef Steak
  • 
    Fiery Indonesian Beef Ribs
  • 
    Savory Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry
  • 
    Authentic Indonesian Beef Meatballs (Bakso Sapi) Recipe

• For the Meat Boiling Mixture:

  • Water (enough to cover the beef)
  • 4 Bay Leaves
  • 3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • 1 Lemongrass stalk (bruised)
  • 2 segments Ginger (smashed, to tenderize the meat)
  • A pinch of Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Coriander

• For the Dendeng Spice Mix:

  • 7 Shallots
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • A handful of Red Chilies
  • 1 Red Bird’s Eye Chili (optional for extra heat)
  • 3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (for a natural tangy flavor)
  • Cooking Oil (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, bruised lemongrass, smashed ginger, a pinch of salt, and ground coriander to the boiling water.
   • Submerge the whole piece of beef in the pot and cook until the meat is half done and has changed color. The goal is to partially cook the beef, not fully. Once done, remove the beef from the pot and let it cool.

2. Slice and Flatten the Beef:

   • Once the beef has cooled, slice it thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender.
   • Use a mortar and pestle or meat mallet to pound the slices until they are thin and wide. Season with ground coriander and a pinch of salt.

3. Prepare the Spice Blend:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic cloves, and red chilies into a coarse paste. This mixture will provide the characteristic flavor to the dendeng.

4. Fry the Beef:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the beef slices in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to maintain crispy texture. Once fried, set the beef aside and retain the remaining oil in the pan.

5. Cook the Spice Mix:

   • Using the same oil in which you fried the beef, add the coarse spice paste to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
   • Add the kaffir lime leaves to the pan and continue cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and a bit of sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
   • Add lime juice to the spice mix for a fresh, tangy flavor. Cook until the spice mix is well integrated and slightly oily.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Allow the spice mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, toss the fried beef slices in the spice mix, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
   • Let the dendeng cool completely to maintain its crispiness.

7. Serving:

   • Serve your Dendeng Sapi with steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal. The richness and crunch of the dendeng make it an irresistible addition to any Indonesian-inspired meal.

Enjoy your homemade Dendeng Sapi, a true taste of Indonesian tradition, right at your dining table. This recipe not only adds a delightful crunch but also infuses every bite with a blend of aromatic spices that are sure to please your palate.