Indonesian Spiced Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze

Sate Daging Sapi Rempah: Indonesian Spiced Beef Skewers

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of beef (preferably imported, with a bit of fat), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons Palmia garlic margarine
• Spice Paste:
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 candlenuts, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, chopped
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• Additional Seasonings:
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind water
  • 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. For the spice paste, finely chop the shallots, garlic, and candlenuts. Toast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a dry pan until aromatic. Slice the galangal, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric into smaller pieces for easier blending.

2. Make the Spice Paste: In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, toasted coriander seeds, cumin seeds, galangal, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.

3. Mix with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the spice paste with ground black pepper, tamarind water, sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, and chicken stock powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated.

4. Marinate the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 3 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

5. Prepare for Grilling: Preheat your grill or grill pan. If using a grill pan, lightly grease it with the Palmia garlic margarine. Thread the marinated beef onto skewers.

6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan. Occasionally brush with the remaining marinade and additional margarine to keep the beef moist and flavorful. Grill until the beef is cooked through and has a nice brown color. The meat should be slightly charred but not dry.

7. Serve: Once grilled to your liking, remove the skewers from the heat. Serve the Sate Daging Sapi Rempah with your choice of accompaniments—peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, or pickles. For a refreshing twist, I personally enjoy it with pickles for that tangy and crisp contrast.

Enjoy your homemade Indonesian spiced beef skewers with the delightful flavors of traditional spices and seasonings!