Spicy Indonesian Beef with Tofu (Daging Sapi Bumbu Lapiss)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 pound beef (thinly sliced and tenderized)
- 4 pieces tofu (cut into triangles and fried until half-cooked)
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 200 ml water
- For the spice paste:
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 5 candlenuts
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Blend all the spice paste ingredients—shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, and black pepper—until smooth. You can use a mortar and pestle or a blender for this step.
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Marinate the Beef:
- Place the thinly sliced and tenderized beef in a bowl. Add the blended spice paste and sweet soy sauce. Massage the mixture into the beef, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
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Cook the Beef:
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef along with the remaining marinade. Pour in 200 ml of water and stir well. Let the beef simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Add Aromatics and Sweetener:
- Once the beef is tender, add the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and palm sugar. Stir to combine and let it cook until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
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Incorporate Tofu:
- Gently fold in the fried tofu pieces, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar as needed.
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Serve:
- Serve the Spicy Indonesian Beef with Tofu hot. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful Indonesian favorite, showcasing the rich flavors and textures that make this dish a comforting and satisfying meal.
