Iga Sapi Bumbu Kecap: Savory Indonesian Beef Ribs in Sweet Soy Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 kg beef ribs
- 100 ml cooking oil
- 1 liter water
- 20 bird’s eye chilies
- 5 candlenuts
- 10 shallots
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 nutmeg
- 1/2 piece ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 5 stalks lemongrass
- 8 bay leaves
- 5 slices galangal
- 100 ml sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flavor enhancer (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ribs: Thoroughly wash the beef ribs and bring them to a boil in a large pot of water. Cook until tender. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle (or blender), grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, nutmeg, and salt into a smooth paste. Set aside.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the spice paste along with the bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal slices. Sauté until fragrant.
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Simmer the Ribs: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pre-cooked beef ribs and let it cook until it reaches a rolling boil again.
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Season the Dish: Add the bird’s eye chilies, sweet soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and flavor enhancer (if using). Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Finish Cooking: Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened, the flavors have melded, and the oil starts to separate from the sauce. Turn off the heat once the dish has reached the desired consistency.
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Serve: Your Iga Sapi Bumbu Kecap is now ready to be served. Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.
Notes:
- For a smoother spice paste, using a blender or food processor is an alternative to a mortar and pestle.
- Adjust the amount of sweet soy sauce, flavor enhancer, and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the bird’s eye chilies.
This dish combines the tender, savory beef ribs with a sweet and spicy soy sauce, making it a delectable treat for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromatic spices of Indonesian cuisine with every bite!
