Semur Daging Sapi: A Simple Indonesian Beef Stew
Discover the savory allure of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful recipe for Semur Daging Sapi, a hearty beef stew enriched with aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines tender beef with crispy potatoes and a blend of traditional spices to create a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kg beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Sweet soy sauce, to taste
- 1 large potato, cut into large chunks, washed, and fried
- For the Spice Paste:
- 10 shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 nutmeg seed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by finely grinding the shallots, garlic, nutmeg, and black pepper to create a fragrant spice paste. This blend forms the flavor base for your stew, infusing the beef with rich, aromatic notes.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden. This step releases the essential oils from the spices, enhancing their flavors.
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Cook the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides. This browning process locks in the flavors and gives the beef a deep, savory taste.
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Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce and sweet soy sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Season with salt and sugar to balance the flavors. Add enough water to cover the beef, then stir everything to combine well.
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Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently. Cook until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
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Add Fried Potatoes: Once the beef is tender, add the fried potato chunks to the pan. Continue cooking until the sauce has reduced and thickened, and the potatoes are infused with the stew’s flavors.
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Final Touches: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well-balanced, remove the pan from the heat.
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Serve: Garnish your Semur Daging Sapi with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor. Serve the stew hot with steamed rice or as a hearty standalone dish.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this traditional Indonesian beef stew, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The blend of spices and sweet soy sauce creates a delightful taste experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.