Indonesian Spiced Beef Ribs Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Garang Asem Iga Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Braised Beef Dish

Experience a delightful fusion of rich, savory flavors with Garang Asem Iga Sapi, a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases tender beef ribs braised with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. This recipe marries the depth of beef with the bright, tangy notes of green tomatoes and starfruit, all wrapped in aromatic banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress at your next meal.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams beef ribs (iga sapi)
• Banana leaves (enough to wrap the meat)
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Water (as needed)
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)
• 3 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
• 7 bay leaves (daun salam)

For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Rajang):

• 15 shallots (bawang merah)
• 5 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
• 2 inches ginger (jahe)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (lengkuas)

For Garnishing:

• 5 green tomatoes (cut into quarters)
• 10 starfruit (belimbing wuluh) (cut into halves; use small starfruit)
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit setan) (whole or sliced, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Ribs:

   • Wash the beef ribs thoroughly and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Finely chop the shallots, garlic, ginger, and galangal.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Heat a splash of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped spice paste, lemongrass, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant and golden.

4. Cook the Beef Ribs:

   • Add the beef ribs to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the aromatic mixture. Pour enough water to submerge the beef. Simmer over low heat for approximately 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

5. Season to Taste:

   • As the water reduces slightly, season the dish with salt, sugar, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Once the flavors are well-balanced, remove from heat.

6. Prepare the Wrapping:

   • Clean and cut the banana leaves to fit the wrapping size. To prevent leaks, layer the banana leaves with heat-resistant plastic wrap, followed by another layer of banana leaves.

7. Assemble the Dish:

   • Place the prepared garnishing ingredients (green tomatoes, starfruit, and chilies) on the banana leaves. Place the cooked beef ribs along with the cooking liquid on top. Wrap the banana leaves securely, and seal the package with toothpicks or short skewers.

8. Steam the Dish:

   • Preheat a steamer and steam the wrapped packages for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to absorb the aromatic essence of the banana leaves.

9. Serve:

   • Remove from the steamer and carefully unwrap. Serve the Garang Asem Iga Sapi hot with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Enjoy the complexity of flavors and the tender texture of the beef in this aromatic and traditional Indonesian dish. It’s a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire, promising to bring a taste of Indonesia to your dining table.