Sweet & Savory Indonesian Shredded Beef with Spiced Coconut

Sweet and Savory Indonesian Shredded Beef with Coconut (Serondeng Daging Sapi Manis Gurih)

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (cooked and shredded; use a pressure cooker or boil until tender)
• 2 medium coconuts (fresh, not too old or too young)

For the Coconut Seasoning:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• A pinch of salt

For the Beef Seasoning:

• 16 shallots
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 3 cm turmeric root
• 3 cm ginger
• 5 cm galangal
• 15 tablespoons palm sugar
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons tamarind water
• 10 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• Hot water as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coconut Mixture:

   • Begin by grinding all the ingredients for the coconut seasoning. This includes garlic, brown sugar, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
   • Grate the coconut. Combine it with the ground seasoning and mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
   • Toast the seasoned grated coconut in a dry pan over very low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and continue toasting until the coconut is light and dry, which should take about 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

   • Blend all the ingredients for the beef seasoning, including shallots, garlic, ground coriander, cumin seeds, turmeric root, ginger, and galangal, into a smooth paste.
   • Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the blended seasoning and sauté until aromatic. Pour in enough hot water to just cover the mixture and let it simmer until the water has mostly evaporated and the mixture is aromatic.
   • Add the shredded beef into the pan. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is well-coated with the spice mixture.

3. Combine and Finish:

   • Stir in the toasted coconut to the beef mixture. Continue to cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a rich brown color and the flavors meld together.
   • Add tamarind water, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Mix thoroughly and allow to cook for a few more minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt if needed.

4. Serve:

   • Once the mixture has reached a desirable consistency and color, remove from heat. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

This dish, Serondeng Daging Sapi Manis Gurih, offers a wonderful combination of tender shredded beef and aromatic, crispy spiced coconut, making it a flavorful and memorable addition to any meal.