Asem-Asem Beef with Green Beans Recipe
Asem-Asem Daging Sapi Buncis is a delightful Indonesian dish known for its tangy and savory flavor profile, perfect for pairing with steamed rice. This dish combines tender beef with crisp green beans in a rich, aromatic broth infused with spices and a touch of sweetness. Follow this easy-to-make recipe for a taste of Indonesian comfort food right in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams (1/4 kg) beef (preferably stew meat or a cut suitable for slow cooking)
- 5 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 red curly chilies
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 pieces of galangal, crushed
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 piece of palm sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
- 800 ml water
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 tablespoons tamarind water
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 green tomato
- 200 grams green beans (buncis), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Begin by boiling the beef in a large pot of water until it is partially tender. Once the beef is semi-cooked, remove it from the pot, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Continue simmering until the beef is fully tender.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bay leaves and crushed galangal, and sauté until fragrant.
- Next, add the shallots and garlic to the pan. Sauté until they become soft and aromatic.
- Gradually add the red curly chilies to the pan. Continue cooking until the mixture is well-blended and the chilies have softened.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the sautéed spice mixture into the pot with the beef. Allow the broth to come to a boil.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Add the green beans and tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the salt, palm sugar, granulated sugar, and tamarind water.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring a balance between the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
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Simmer and Serve:
- Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes until the green beans are tender and all the flavors are well-integrated.
- Serve the Asem-Asem Beef with green beans hot, accompanied by steamed rice.
This hearty and flavorful dish embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, bringing together a harmonious blend of ingredients that will surely delight your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious Asem-Asem Daging Sapi Buncis as a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!