Dendeng Sapi: A Flavorful Indonesian Beef Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef
- For Spices:
- 200 g dried red chilies
- 8 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- For Boiling:
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 3 candlenuts
- 3 sticks cinnamon (adjust length to taste)
- 4 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
- A small amount of tamarind
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the beef. Place the beef in a pot with the lemongrass, candlenuts (crushed lightly), cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and a small amount of tamarind. Add enough water to cover the beef.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes. The beef should be tender and the flavors infused.
-
Slicing and Frying:
- Remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Heat oil in a pan over low heat. Fry the beef slices until they are dry and crispy, being careful not to burn them. The goal is to achieve a crunchy texture while maintaining flavor.
-
Preparing the Spice Mixture:
- While the beef is frying, prepare the spice mixture. Coarsely grind the dried red chilies, shallots, and garlic. You can use a chopper if preferred to save time and effort.
- In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and fry the ground spice mixture until it is fragrant and cooked through. Add salt and sugar to taste.
-
Combining and Serving:
- Once the spice mixture is cooked, add the crispy beef slices to the pan. Toss well to coat the beef evenly with the spices. Continue cooking for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Enjoying:
- Serve your Dendeng Sapi as a delicious snack or side dish. It’s perfect on its own or accompanied by rice. According to feedback, this version is MSG-free, which adds a wholesome touch to the dish.
Enjoy the savory and spicy taste of this Indonesian beef dish, perfect for any occasion!
