Lodehan Daging Sapi: A Delightful Indonesian Beef Stew
Indulge in the savory flavors of Lodehan Daging Sapi, a traditional Indonesian beef stew brimming with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This comforting dish combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and creamy coconut milk, creating a rich and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 200 grams beef, cut into cubes
- 2 carrots, sliced diagonally
- 10 green beans, sliced diagonally
- 5 pieces fried tofu (tahu pong), cut into halves
- 1 stalk green onion (daun bawang)
- 200 ml coconut milk, from freshly grated coconut
- 1 cm galangal, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 red chili peppers, left whole
For the Spice Paste:

- 4 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 candlenut (kemiri)
- 1 cm turmeric
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all the vegetables and spices. Cut the beef into cubes, slice the carrots and green beans diagonally, and halve the fried tofu. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenut, and turmeric into a smooth paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
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Cook the Beef: In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the beef until tender. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste, bay leaves, and galangal. Sauté until the paste is fragrant and the oil starts to separate.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef to the pan, along with the carrots and green beans. Pour in some of the beef broth to prevent the mixture from drying out. Allow it to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
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Add Tofu and Chili: Stir in the fried tofu and whole chili peppers. Pour in more beef broth as needed to keep the mixture moist. Continue to simmer until the tofu is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Gently stir in the coconut milk and green onion. Keep stirring to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Cook until the stew has thickened slightly and the flavors are well blended.
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Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency. Serve the Lodehan Daging Sapi hot, and enjoy the rich and flavorful stew with steamed rice.
Tips for Success
- For the best results, use freshly grated coconut to make the coconut milk. This will enhance the flavor and creaminess of the dish.
- Adjust the number of chili peppers according to your heat preference. For a milder stew, reduce the amount or remove the seeds.
- Make sure to stir the stew gently once the coconut milk is added to avoid breaking the delicate coconut cream.
Enjoy this delicious Lodehan Daging Sapi as a hearty main dish that celebrates the flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Happy cooking! 😊