Spicy Indonesian Balado Beef with Crispy Crunch

Spicy Balado Beef (Dendeng Balado Sapi Pedas) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef
• For boiling:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Enough water to cover the beef
• For the spice paste:
  • 150 grams red chili peppers
  • 150 grams bird’s eye chilies
  • 6 shallots
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
  • Thinly sliced palm sugar (as needed)
  • White sugar (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Clean the beef thoroughly and cut it into pieces according to your preference.
   • Crush the garlic and mix with salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the beef pieces.
   • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the seasoned beef and cook until the water evaporates and the beef is tender. Drain the beef and set aside.

2. Fry the Beef:

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   • Heat some cooking oil in a pan. Fry the boiled beef pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.
   • Heat a small amount of the oil used for frying the beef in a pan. Add the blended spice paste and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised lemongrass to the pan.
   • Season with salt, sliced palm sugar, and white sugar. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, be cautious with the palm sugar as it can reduce the heat.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Crush the fried beef pieces slightly to help them absorb the spices better.
   • Add the fried beef to the pan with the spice paste and stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
   • Continue to cook until the spices are well absorbed and the beef is well coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the beef is fully coated with the spicy paste and has absorbed the flavors, it is ready to serve. Enjoy this spicy balado beef as a flavorful accompaniment to steamed rice.

This recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its bold flavors and spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, spicy dish.