Fiery Indonesian Spicy Beef Balado

Spicy Beef Balado Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Beef Marinade:

  • 400 grams beef, cut into cubes
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 stalk lemongrass
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper
  • Salt and sugar to taste
  • Water as needed

• For the Balado Spice Mix:

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  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 6 shallots
  • 8 red curly chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 15 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste
  • Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
   • In a blender or food processor, blend together the garlic, shallots, and coriander seeds until smooth.

2. Marinate the Beef:

   • In a pot, add water and the blended marinade. Include the lemongrass, ginger (crushed), bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.
   • Add the beef cubes to the pot. Season with salt, white pepper, and sugar to taste.
   • Cook over medium heat, allowing the water to reduce and the flavors to infuse into the beef. Simmer until the water has almost evaporated, leaving a slightly thickened liquid.

3. Tenderize and Brown the Beef:

   • Once the liquid has reduced, use a meat mallet or the back of a spoon to pound the beef slightly to tenderize it.
   • Return the beef to the pot and continue cooking until the liquid is completely absorbed, and the beef starts to brown and becomes dry.

4. Prepare the Balado Spice Mix:

   • Blend the garlic, shallots, red curly chilies, and bird’s eye chilies until smooth.
   • Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice mix along with the lemongrass (crushed) and kaffir lime leaves.
   • Cook the spice mixture, stirring frequently, until the oil separates from the spices and the aroma of the spices becomes pronounced.

5. Combine and Cook:

   • Add the browned beef to the pan with the balado spice mix. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
   • Add lime juice, salt, sugar, and additional seasoning to taste. Stir and cook until the beef is well-coated with the spice mix and slightly caramelized.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the spicy beef balado to a serving dish and enjoy as a flavorful main dish with steamed rice.

Enjoy your Spicy Beef Balado, a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and rich, spicy heat, perfect for a hearty meal!