Indonesian Beef Stew (Semur Daging Sapi) with Crispy Potatoes

Semur Daging Sapi is a beloved Indonesian beef stew that tantalizes with its rich flavors and tender meat. This dish features beef slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and soy sauces, culminating in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Served with crispy fried potatoes and garnished with crispy shallots, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (I used 500 grams of beef)
• Salt and sugar (to taste)
• Soy sauce (both light and sweet, to taste)
• 3 potatoes, peeled, cut into chunks, and fried (I used 2 potatoes)
• Ground spice mix:
  • 10 shallots (I used 8 shallots)
  • 5 garlic cloves (I used 3 cloves)
  • 1 whole nutmeg (I used 1/2 nutmeg)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

1. Prepare the Spices: Start by finely grinding the shallots, garlic, and nutmeg. Combine with black pepper to create a fragrant spice mix.

2. Cook the Spice Mix: Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice mix and sauté until it becomes aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Brown the Beef: Add the beef, cut into bite-sized pieces, to the pan. Stir frequently until the beef pieces are browned and no longer pink.

4. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour in the light soy sauce and sweet soy sauce to taste. Add salt and sugar as needed. Stir well to coat the beef with the seasonings.

5. Simmer the Stew: Add enough water to cover the beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the beef is tender, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

6. Incorporate Potatoes: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fried potato chunks. Stir gently to combine.

7. Final Cooking: Continue to cook until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking, and the flavors have melded together.

8. Serve: Transfer the Semur Daging Sapi to a serving dish and garnish with crispy shallots.

Enjoy your Semur Daging Sapi with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions, offering a warm and hearty taste of Indonesian culinary tradition.