Savory Indonesian Beef Stew with Sweet Soy and Coconut

Semur Daging Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Stew

Semur Daging Sapi, a beloved Indonesian dish, brings together tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich, sweet soy sauce that creates a comforting and flavorful stew. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal, this dish is a celebration of Indonesian flavors and culinary traditions.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of young beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (Saori brand)
• 3 tablespoons thick coconut milk
• **Sugar, salt, and beef bouillon (Royko) to taste
• 150 ml beef broth (use the broth from boiling the beef)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 7 red chilies
• 3 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Clean the beef thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces according to your preference.
   • Boil the beef in a pot of water until it is half-cooked. Set the beef aside and retain the broth to use as the base for the stew.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, red chilies, candlenuts, and nutmeg into a smooth paste. This will form the aromatic base of your semur.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the bay leaves to the pan and stir well.
   • Add the beef pieces to the pan and mix them thoroughly with the spice paste.
   • Pour in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and season with sugar, salt, and beef bouillon (Royko) according to taste. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer the Stew:

   • Pour in the reserved beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Stir in the thick coconut milk and continue to simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors are well integrated. The liquid should reduce and the sauce should be rich and glossy.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or beef bouillon if needed.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the Semur Daging Sapi hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the comforting and flavorful stew!

This recipe for Semur Daging Sapi delivers a rich and satisfying meal with layers of aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness from the soy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s a true representation of Indonesian culinary heritage.