Tangy Indonesian Beef Stew with Sweet Tamarind and Spicy Chilies

Asem Asem Daging Sapi Recipe

Asem Asem Daging Sapi is a delightful Indonesian beef stew that combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of vegetables in a tangy, sweet, and spicy broth. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy rich, flavorful dishes with a touch of exotic flair. Follow these steps to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef chuck (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 30 green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cm galangal (smashed)
• 1 cm ginger (smashed)
• 1 large tomato (diced)
• 2 large red chilies (sliced diagonally)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (left whole)
• 1 piece palm sugar (grated)
• 3 tamarind slices (dissolved in a little hot water)
• 1 onion (sliced thinly)
• 8 shallots (sliced thinly)
• 5 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, seasoning, and sugar to taste
• Water (as needed for the broth)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Clean the beef, vegetables, and spices thoroughly. Drain well.

2. Cook the Beef:

   • Cut the beef into desired pieces and place it in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and cover with water. Boil until the beef becomes tender. Once tender, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a separate pan, heat the margarine and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion, shallots, and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced red chilies, whole bird’s eye chilies, ginger, galangal, and bay leaves. Continue sautéing until aromatic.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Transfer the sautéed aromatics into the pot with the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients:

   • Add the green beans, diced tomato, grated palm sugar, and tamarind water to the pot. Season with salt and additional seasoning to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer until the flavors meld and the soup reaches your desired taste.

6. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor or additional salt if needed.

7. Serve:

   • Serve hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with steamed rice or as a standalone soup.

This traditional Asem Asem Daging Sapi recipe brings a taste of Indonesian cuisine into your kitchen, offering a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.