Indonesian Rujak-Spiced Beef Stew

Rujak-Spiced Beef

Dive into the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this savory and aromatic Rujak-Spiced Beef recipe. Infused with a blend of fragrant spices and a touch of sweetness, this dish transforms simple beef into an exquisite culinary experience. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s sure to impress with its rich, complex flavors.

Ingredients:

• 280 grams beef, cut into pieces
• 3 cm galangal, smashed
• 2 cm ginger, smashed
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
• 1 kaffir lime leaf
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 3 tablespoons shaved palm sugar
• Cooking oil (as needed)
• 1 cup water

For the spice paste:

• 6 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 candlenuts
• 4 red chilies
• 4 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 tomato
• Salt (to taste)
• Seasoning powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Clean the beef and cut it into bite-sized pieces according to your preference.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and tomato with a little water until smooth. You can also use a mortar and pestle for a more traditional approach.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Be careful to stir frequently to prevent burning.

4. Add Spices and Seasonings:

   • To the pan, add the galangal, ginger, lemongrass, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, and shaved palm sugar. Cook until the spices release their aroma and the mixture is well-combined.

5. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the beef pieces to the pan and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.

6. Simmer:

   • Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly and does not stick to the pan.

7. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Check the seasoning and adjust to taste. If needed, add more salt or seasoning powder.

8. Serve:

   • Once the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is well-coated with the thickened spice mixture, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Rujak-Spiced Beef as a centerpiece for your next meal, bringing a taste of Indonesia right to your table.