Spicy Indonesian Rica-Rica Beef: A Flavor Explosion

Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the Rica-Rica Beef recipe tailored for the Love With Recipes site:

Rica-Rica Beef: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Prepare to indulge in the vibrant and spicy flavors of Indonesia with this Rica-Rica Beef recipe. This dish, known for its rich and aromatic blend of spices, is sure to bring a touch of exotic flair to your dining table. Perfectly tender beef is simmered with a robust mix of chilies, herbs, and spices, creating a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

250 grams beef (cut into small cubes)
20 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
5 curly chilies
10 shallots
5 cloves garlic
5 candlenuts
1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
2 stalks lemongrass
1 bay leaf
1 kaffir lime leaf
Salt (to taste)
Sugar (to taste)
Seasoning (optional, to taste)
Tamarind water (from 1 thumb-sized piece of tamarind)
Pepper (to taste)
Oil (for sautéing)
Water

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Start by washing the beef thoroughly and allowing it to drain.
Blend the Spices: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, curly chilies, candlenuts, galangal, ginger, and lemongrass. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
Add Herbs: Toss in the bay leaf and kaffir lime leaf. Continue to sauté for another minute to release their aromatic oils.
Cook the Beef: Add the cubed beef to the pan. Stir well to coat the meat with the spice paste. Cook for a few minutes until the beef begins to brown.
Incorporate Tamarind Water and Seasonings: Pour in the tamarind water and add enough water to just cover the beef. Stir in salt, sugar, optional seasoning, and pepper to taste.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently. Cook until the beef is tender and fully cooked, about 1 to 1.5 hours. If necessary, add more water to keep the beef just covered and allow the sauce to reduce to your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.