Tangy Indonesian Beef Stew (Garang Asem Sapi)

Garang Asem Sapi: A Traditional Indonesian Beef Delight

Experience the exotic flavors of Indonesia with our Garang Asem Sapi, a tangy and savory beef dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This traditional recipe combines tender beef with an array of aromatic spices and the distinctive sour notes of belimbing wuluh (bilimbi). Perfect for those who love a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 250 grams beef (preferably shank)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 cloves shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 roasted candlenuts
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger

For the Chopped Ingredients:

• 5 bilimbi (belimbing wuluh), sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies (2 sliced, 3 whole)

Other Ingredients:

• ½ pack thick coconut milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Seasoning powder, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Banana leaves (for wrapping)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Thinly slice the beef and set it aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Grind the shallots, garlic, roasted candlenuts, and ginger into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a pan and sauté the spice paste along with the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass until fragrant.

4. Cook the Beef:

   • Add the sliced beef to the pan and stir well. Pour in enough water to cover the beef.
   • Add the chopped bilimbi, tomato, red chilies, green chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Stir to combine.
   • Season with salt, sugar, pepper, and seasoning powder to taste.
   • Simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Add the Coconut Milk:

   • Once the beef is cooked through and tender, add the thick coconut milk. Stir well and turn off the heat.

6. Prepare the Steamer:

   • Preheat your steamer. Line an aluminum or heatproof dish with banana leaves.

7. Assemble the Dish:

   • Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the banana leaf-lined dish. Cover the top with more banana leaves.

8. Steam the Dish:

   • Place the dish in the steamer and cover. Steam for approximately 30 minutes.

9. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the dish from the steamer. Serve hot, directly from the banana leaf-lined dish for an authentic touch.

Enjoy your Garang Asem Sapi with steamed rice, and let the rich, tangy flavors transport you to the vibrant streets of Indonesia!