Indonesian Beef Stew with Sweet Soy Sauce and Spices

Savory Indonesian Beef Stew (Semur Daging Sapi)

Semur Daging Sapi is a comforting Indonesian beef stew known for its rich flavors and tender texture. This hearty dish combines tender beef with aromatic spices, sweet soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar. Here’s how to make this delicious stew:

Ingredients

• Beef: 1 ounce (about 30 grams) beef, cut into 1/2 cm cubes
• Potatoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and cubed
• Spice Paste:
  • 4 shallots
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 coriander seed
  • 2 cm ginger
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 piece of palm sugar
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed
  • 2 cm galangal, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water, as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, coriander seed, and ginger until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.

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2. Cook the Spices: Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the bay leaves, crushed lemongrass, and crushed galangal. Sauté for another minute to release the flavors.

3. Cook the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef changes color, about 5 minutes. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and any strong odor is reduced.

4. Add the Potatoes: Once the beef is tender, add the cubed potatoes to the pan. Cover and cook until the potatoes are partially cooked, about 10 minutes.

5. Sweeten the Stew: Add the palm sugar to the pan and stir until it dissolves. If the liquid has reduced too much, add an additional 1/2 cup of water.

6. Season and Simmer: Stir in the sweet soy sauce, ground black pepper, and ground coriander. Mix well and let the stew simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

7. Serve: Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

Enjoy your savory Semur Daging Sapi, a dish that brings the warm, aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine right to your table.