Savory Indonesian Beef Stew with Sweet Soy Sauce

Krengsengan Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Dish

Krengsengan Sapi is a delightful Indonesian dish known for its rich, savory flavors and a hint of sweetness. This traditional recipe combines tender beef with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 500 grams of beef, diced
• 6 shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• A piece of ginger, bruised
• 5 kedondong leaves (if available)
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), sliced
• Salt and sugar to taste
• 200 ml of water

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the beef into small cubes. Thinly slice the shallots, mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion. Bruise the ginger to release its flavors.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and onion, sautéing until they become fragrant. Add the bird’s eye chilies and bruised ginger, continuing to sauté for a few more minutes.

3. Cook the Beef: Add the diced beef to the pan, stirring to coat it with the aromatic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef begins to brown slightly.

4. Add the Kedondong Leaves: If you have access to kedondong leaves, add them to the pan for an authentic touch. These leaves will impart a unique flavor to the dish.

5. Simmer with Sauce: Pour in 200 ml of water and stir. Add a small amount of salt, a pinch of sugar, and a generous amount of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients.

6. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until the beef is tender and the sauce has reduced to a rich, thick consistency. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is tender, your Krengsengan Sapi is ready to be served. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Nutritional Information

Krengsengan Sapi is a protein-rich dish with a balance of spices and sweetness. The use of bird’s eye chilies adds a kick of heat, while the kecap manis brings a deep, caramelized sweetness to the sauce.

Cooking Tips

• Beef Selection: Use a tender cut of beef like sirloin or tenderloin for the best results.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies according to your preferred spice level.
• Substitute for Kedondong Leaves: If kedondong leaves are not available, you can use bay leaves or omit them altogether.

Krengsengan Sapi is a wonderful way to explore Indonesian cuisine and impress your guests with its complex flavors and tender, juicy beef. Enjoy this traditional dish as part of your culinary journey!