Pindang Daging Sapi: A Savory and Spicy Indonesian Beef Stew
Discover the flavors of Indonesia with this exquisite Pindang Daging Sapi, a traditional beef stew that combines tender beef with a medley of aromatic herbs, spicy chilies, and tangy fruit. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sour flavors. Follow this recipe to create a comforting and flavorful stew that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:
- 250 grams beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 block firm tofu, cut into 6 pieces
- 1 liter water
- 12 belimbing wuluh (starfruit), sliced thinly
- 1 ripe tomato, cut into chunks
- 1 handful green bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 5 red curly chilies
- 5 shallots
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 cm turmeric
- 1 cm ginger
- 1 bunch basil leaves
- 1 stalk scallion, chopped
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 3 cm galangal, bruised
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- In a large pot, add the beef pieces and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beef is tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Blend the Aromatics:
- While the beef is cooking, blend the shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste:
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the beef is tender, cut it into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the beef. Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
- Add the belimbing wuluh (starfruit), green bird’s eye chilies, bay leaves, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Pour in the reserved beef broth and add the tofu pieces. Stir to combine.
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Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tofu to heat through.
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Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Add the tomato chunks, scallions, and basil leaves to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to soften.
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Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional sweet soy sauce as needed.
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Serve:
- Ladle the Pindang Daging Sapi into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Enjoy the unique and vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable Pindang Daging Sapi. Its combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and tangy starfruit offers a satisfying and flavorful experience.