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| Spicy Beef Balado Recipe |
Beef Balado is a beloved Indonesian dish, known for its fiery and flavorful taste. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, including Christmas and New Year celebrations. With tender slices of beef smothered in a spicy sambal sauce, this dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your festive table.
Introduction to Beef Balado
Beef Balado is a traditional dish originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The word "balado" refers to the cooking technique of sautéing the main ingredient with a spicy chili-based sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors and is often served during festive occasions like Christmas and New Year.
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients
- 600 grams (about 1.3 lbs) of beef, thinly sliced across the grain
- 1/2 pineapple, pureed (to tenderize the beef)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 2 cm (about 1 inch) galangal, bruised
- 2 tbsp tamarind water
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil as needed
Spice Paste
- 10 red chili peppers
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 6 shallots
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 ripe red tomatoes
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Beef
- Tenderizing the Beef: Coat the beef slices with pureed pineapple. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soften the meat fibers. Rinse the beef with water and drain.
- Pre-Cooking the Beef: Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sear the beef until it changes color. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Spice Paste
- Blending the Paste: Combine all spice paste ingredients in a blender or mortar and pestle. Grind into a smooth paste.
- Sautéing the Paste: In the same pan, add more oil. Sauté the spice paste along with bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal over medium heat until fragrant and cooked through.
Combining Beef and Spice Paste
- Mixing the Beef: Add the pre-cooked beef to the pan with the spice paste. Stir until the beef is evenly coated.
- Seasoning: Pour in the tamarind water, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Simmering: Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors are well absorbed. Add a splash of water if the mixture gets too dry.
Additional Tips
- Choosing the Beef: Use cuts like tenderloin or sirloin for the best texture.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies if you prefer a milder taste.
- Alternative Tenderizers: Instead of pineapple, you can use papaya leaves or a meat mallet to tenderize the beef.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Balado pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. You can also serve it with fresh sides like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or basil leaves to balance the spiciness.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide, check out this helpful video tutorial:
