Kalio Daging Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew
Kalio Daging Sapi is a richly spiced Indonesian beef stew that tantalizes the taste buds with its complex flavors. This recipe combines tender beef with a fragrant mix of spices, coconut milk, and optional potatoes, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for a comforting meal, Kalio Daging Sapi showcases the essence of Indonesian cuisine through its vibrant spices and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (1/2 kg) beef (cut into cubes)
- 250 grams (1/4 kg) potatoes (optional, peeled and cubed)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
- 3 cm galangal (crushed)
- 1 turmeric leaf (torn into pieces)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cloves
- 3 cm cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 star anise
- 200 ml thick coconut milk
- 400 ml thin coconut milk (I use Kara 200ml)
For the Spice Paste:

- 6 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 5 red curly chilies
- 5 large red chilies
- 4 candlenuts (toasted)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (toasted)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (toasted)
- 3 cm turmeric (grilled)
- 2 cm ginger
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Begin by making the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, large red chilies, toasted candlenuts, toasted coriander seeds, toasted cumin seeds, grilled turmeric, and ginger. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of water if needed to create a thick paste.
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Sauté the Spices:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the crushed lemongrass, galangal, turmeric leaf, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and star anise. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Cook the Beef:
- Add the beef cubes to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the beef to brown slightly.
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Add Coconut Milk and Simmer:
- Pour in the thin coconut milk and enough water to cover the beef. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook the beef until it begins to tenderize, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Incorporate Potatoes:
- If using potatoes, add them to the pot once the beef starts to become tender. Continue cooking until the potatoes are soft and the beef is fully tender.
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Finish with Thick Coconut Milk:
- When the beef is tender and the potatoes (if used) are cooked through, stir in the thick coconut milk. Simmer the stew until the sauce thickens and reduces, leaving just a little liquid. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve:
- Once the Kalio Daging Sapi is rich and thickened to your preference, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
This Kalio Daging Sapi recipe brings together the bold and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine, offering a delightful dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Enjoy the blend of spices and creamy coconut milk that makes this stew a truly special culinary experience.