Asem-Asem Beef with Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 300 grams beef, cut into cubes
- 10 green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
- 2 red chili peppers (or more, sliced into large pieces for extra heat)
- 1/4 lime (or tamarind and belimbing wuluh if available)
- 1 red tomato, cut into quarters
- 2 bay leaves
- Sweet soy sauce, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef: Begin by simmering the beef in a pot of water until tender. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot, let it cool slightly, and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Return the beef cubes to the pot.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the garlic, shallots, galangal, and bay leaves until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed mixture into the pot with the beef. Add the tomato quarters, a splash of water, sweet soy sauce, and salt. Stir well.
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Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans and lime juice (or tamarind and belimbing wuluh if using) to the pot. Mix thoroughly and taste for seasoning.
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Adjust Flavors: Cook until the green beans are tender and the flavors are well combined. If you prefer a tangier taste, you can add more lime juice.
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Serve: Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove from heat and serve hot.
Note: If you enjoy spicy dishes, you can add the chili peppers when you sauté the garlic and shallots to infuse the dish with a spicy aroma. For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can add the chili peppers as a garnish only, or leave them out entirely.
This dish combines the rich flavors of tender beef with the freshness of green beans, creating a delicious and balanced meal. Enjoy!
