Sweet Soy Glazed Beef with Aromatic Spices

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1/2 onion
• 2 red chilies
• 1 candlenut
• 1 piece galangal
• 5 black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in a little water)
• Sweet soy sauce (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Beef seasoning (such as Royco)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Cook the beef until tender using either boiling or pressure cooking methods. Once cooked, set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, galangal, peppercorns, and candlenut. Blend until smooth to create a spice paste.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and shallots, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.

4. Add Spice Paste:

   • Add the spice paste to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water if needed to help the paste cook evenly.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the cooked beef to the pan, followed by sweet soy sauce. Stir well to ensure the beef is coated with the sauce.

6. Season the Dish:

   • Add sesame oil, salt, beef seasoning, and sugar to the pan. Stir to combine and cook until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

7. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to the pan while stirring. Cook until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

8. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once satisfied, remove from heat.

9. Serve:

   • Transfer the beef to a serving dish and enjoy!

This flavorful dish combines tender beef with a rich, sweet soy sauce, accented by aromatic spices and a touch of sesame oil. Perfect for a hearty meal that pairs well with rice or noodles.