Tongseng Sapi Recipe: A Delightful Indonesian Beef Stew
Tongseng Sapi is a flavorful Indonesian beef stew characterized by its spicy and aromatic profile. This dish combines tender beef with an assortment of vegetables, eggs, and tofu, all cooked in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal, it pairs wonderfully with steaming white rice. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of beef (sliced thinly for tenderness)
- Tofu, cut into cubes
- Quail eggs, peeled (quantity to your preference)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 green tomato, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 scallions, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Sweet soy sauce
- A dash of chili sauce
- Flavor enhancer (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Bird’s eye chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
For the spice paste:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- A piece of galangal
- Ginger
- Coriander seeds
- Peppercorns
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the beef thinly to ensure it becomes tender during cooking.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Blend or grind together garlic, shallots, galangal, ginger, coriander seeds, and peppercorns to form a smooth paste. This blend is key to imparting the characteristic flavor of Tongseng Sapi.
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Sauté the Spices:
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. This will help release the essential oils and flavors from the spices.
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Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the sliced onion, scallions, and bay leaves to the pan with the sautéed spices. Continue to cook until the onions are softened and translucent.
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Add the Beef:
- Incorporate the thinly sliced beef into the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the beef and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the beef is tender.
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Season the Stew:
- Add sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, flavor enhancer (if using), salt, and sugar to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
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Include Tofu and Quail Eggs:
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly, add the tofu cubes and quail eggs. Allow them to cook through and absorb the flavors.
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Adjust the Flavor:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ensure the beef is well-seasoned and the tofu and quail eggs are flavorful.
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Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced cabbage, green tomato, and bird’s eye chili. Cook until the cabbage is tender and the tomatoes have softened.
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Final Touches:
- Allow the stew to simmer until the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. The flavors should be well integrated and aromatic.
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Serve:
- Serve your Tongseng Sapi hot with a side of warm rice. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and the tender beef with your family and friends.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can increase or decrease the amount of bird’s eye chili based on your preference for spiciness.
- Flavor Enhancer: This is optional but can add depth to the dish. Adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
Enjoy making this delightful Indonesian Tongseng Sapi and savor a taste of Indonesia right in your home. Happy cooking! 🌟
