Simple and Practical Beef Gulai
This Simple and Practical Beef Gulai recipe is an excellent choice for a comforting meal with minimal effort. Rich in flavor and straightforward to prepare, it combines tender beef with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk to create a delectable dish. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams beef
- 1.5 liters water (for boiling)
- 70 ml thick coconut milk
- 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cm ginger (crushed)
- 1 cm galangal (crushed)
- 1/2 piece of asam kandis (dried tamarind)
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
For the Spice Paste:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 shallots
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Clean the beef thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the beef in a pot with 1.5 liters of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and bird’s eye chilies (if using). Blend into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spices:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the beef is tender, add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the beef and its cooking liquid. Stir in the crushed lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaf, ginger, galangal, and asam kandis. Mix well.
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Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings:
- Pour in the thick coconut milk and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fried shallots before serving. Enjoy your beef gulai with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
This recipe yields a rich and flavorful gulai that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy the blend of spices and creamy coconut milk that make this dish both satisfying and delicious.
