Tongseng Daging Sapi
Tongseng Daging Sapi is a delightful and rich Indonesian beef stew that combines tender beef with aromatic spices, savory soy sauce, and creamy coconut milk. This recipe delivers a comforting dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. The blend of spices and the creaminess of the coconut milk create a flavorful and satisfying stew. Here’s how you can recreate this traditional favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 300 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced
- 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 150-200 ml coconut milk (such as Kara brand)
- 6 bird’s eye chilies, whole
- Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 7 shallots
- 3 red chilies
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
For the Aromatics:
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cm cinnamon stick
- 1 thumb-sized piece of bruised galangal
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
Steps
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Cook the Beef: Begin by boiling the beef pieces in water until tender. Once cooked, drain and set the beef aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Blend or grind the shallots, red chilies, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized.
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Add the Beef and Liquids: Add the cooked beef to the pot with the spice paste. Pour in enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer.
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Incorporate the Coconut Milk: Once the beef mixture is boiling, add the coconut milk slowly while stirring to ensure it doesn’t separate. Continue to cook until the mixture starts to thicken.
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Season the Stew: Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, and seasoning according to your taste. Stir well.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped cabbage, whole bird’s eye chilies, scallions, and tomato wedges into the pot. Stir gently to combine.
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Simmer and Serve: Allow the stew to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Finish and Serve: Serve the Tongseng Daging Sapi hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots if desired. Pair it with steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Tongseng Daging Sapi, a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table!
