Indonesian Spicy Beef Balado with Lemongrass and Galangal

Spicy Balado Beef Recipe (Daging Sapi Bumbu Balado)

Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Spicy Balado Beef recipe. This savory dish combines tender beef with a spicy and aromatic blend of traditional Indonesian spices. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to bring a taste of Indonesia to your table.

Ingredients

• 750 grams beef shank, cut into chunks
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Mushroom broth powder, to taste
• Spice Paste:
  • 10 large red chilies
  • 5 curly red chilies
  • Optional: bird’s eye chilies for extra heat
  • 10 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
  • 1 medium tomato
• Canola oil (for healthier cooking)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

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   • Begin by cleaning the beef chunks. Boil them briefly to remove any impurities. Discard the brown foam that forms on the surface.
   • Reboil the beef in a pressure cooker for approximately 45 minutes until tender. This step ensures the beef becomes soft and easy to work with.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the beef is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the large red chilies, curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies (if using), shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and tomato until you have a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat some canola oil in a pan. Once hot, sauté the spice paste along with the bay leaves, lemongrass, and sliced galangal. Cook until the paste is fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Season the Paste:

   • Add salt, sugar, and mushroom broth powder to the paste. Stir well and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Let the mixture cook until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

5. Fry the Beef:

   • Once the beef is tender, briefly fry it in hot oil until it develops a slight char. This step adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the beef.

6. Combine and Simmer:

   • Add the fried beef to the spicy paste. Stir well to ensure the beef is fully coated with the sauce. Continue to cook until the beef absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Serve:

   • Once everything is well combined and cooked through, your Spicy Balado Beef is ready to serve. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference by varying the amount of chilies used. This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors that is sure to be a hit at any meal. Happy cooking!

This recipe for Spicy Balado Beef combines tender beef with a rich, spicy sauce, offering a taste of Indonesian cuisine right in your kitchen. The use of fresh spices and a bit of canola oil ensures a healthier yet flavorful dish. Enjoy experimenting with this vibrant recipe!