Savory Beef Meatballs (Bola-Bola Sapi)
Ingredients:
- 250 grams ground beef
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
- Oyster sauce, to taste
- Cooking oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the egg, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. -
Cook the Meatballs:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Gently drop the meatballs into the boiling water and cook until they are fully cooked through and float to the surface, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. -
Create the Sauce:
Season the onions and garlic with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat them with the aromatics. Pour in a splash of sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste preferences. To enhance the flavor, add a small amount of the reserved cooking water from the meatballs. -
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed. -
Serve:
Once the meatballs are well-coated with the flavorful sauce and heated through, transfer them to a serving dish. Enjoy these savory meatballs hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
These savory beef meatballs, or bola-bola sapi, are a delightful Indonesian dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
