Indonesian Beef Semur

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the beef cubes, minced garlic, chopped shallots, grated ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground nutmeg, soy sauce, and kecap manis. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.
   Stir in the brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick from the pot before serving.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef such as chuck or stewing beef. Marinating the beef overnight will enhance its tenderness and flavor.
• Kecap Manis — If you can't find kecap manis, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar.
• Star Anise and Cinnamon — These spices add a unique flavor to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a chopped chili pepper or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Indonesian Beef Semur hot with steamed rice. The stew can be garnished with fresh cilantro for added freshness and a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can serve the Semur in individual bowls or on a large platter. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an attractive garnish.