Authentic Indonesian Dendeng Balado Recipe: A Spicy Delight for Meat Lovers

Ingredients

500 grams of beef, thinly sliced
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
2 bay leaves
2 kaffir lime leaves
1 tablespoon of tamarind juice
Salt to taste
100 grams of red chili peppers
6 shallots
4 cloves of garlic
1 tomato
50 grams of palm sugar
100 ml of water
Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

First, prepare your beef by slicing it thinly. Set it aside for now.
Next, heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add the beef slices and fry until they are crispy and well-cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
While the beef is frying, you can start to prepare the Balado sauce. Begin by grinding the red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and tomato together in a blender or food processor until they form a smooth paste.
Heat some more vegetable oil in a different pan. Add the blended paste to the pan along with the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes.
Add the tamarind juice, palm sugar, and salt to the pan. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the fried beef to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
Finally, add the water and let the dish simmer for a few more minutes. The sauce should thicken and reduce slightly during this time.
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Your Dendeng Balado is now ready to serve and enjoy.

Tools for making

Frying Pan - For frying the beef slices until crispy.
Blender or Food Processor - To grind the ingredients for the Balado sauce into a smooth paste.
Pan - For cooking the Balado sauce and simmering the beef.

Recipe variations

Substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a meat-free alternative.
Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the Balado sauce for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili peppers or add spicy chili flakes.
Experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to vary the sweetness of the sauce.
Include Indonesian spices like galangal, ginger, or turmeric to enhance the aroma and taste.
Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end to give the dish a tangy kick.
For a healthier option, bake the beef or tofu instead of frying it.
Try using different types of chili peppers, such as jalapenos or serranos, for a unique flavor profile.
Garnish with some fresh cilantro or basil leaves for added freshness and aroma.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of coconut milk or coconut cream.

Recipe overview

Dendeng Balado is a popular dish from Minangkabau, West Sumatra, Indonesia, renowned for its deliciously spicy and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe involves thinly sliced beef that's fried to perfection before being smothered in a fiery red chili sauce, known as Balado. The sauce is a delightful fusion of red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes, all ground together to create a paste that forms the base of the sauce. The succulent beef slices soak up this tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, delivering a robust flavor that's sure to impress. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this Indonesian delicacy, from preparing your ingredients to frying your beef and making the iconic Balado sauce. Expect a taste sensation and an introduction to the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia. Enjoy this dish with some steamed rice for a complete meal.

Common questions

Can I use other types of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken or pork for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can vary depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. If you prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Dendeng Balado by substituting the beef with tofu or tempeh. Additionally, ensure that the palm sugar you use is vegan-friendly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make Dendeng Balado ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just make sure to reheat it before serving.
Is it necessary to bruise the lemongrass? Bruising the lemongrass helps to release its flavor into the dish. It is recommended to bruise the lemongrass stalks before adding them to the sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying pan - For frying the beef slices until crispy.
Blender or food processor - To blend the ingredients into a smooth paste for the Balado sauce.
Pan - For cooking the Balado sauce and simmering the beef.
Spatula or wooden spoon - To stir the ingredients and ensure even cooking.
Knife - To slice the beef thinly.
Cutting board - To prepare and chop the ingredients.
Measuring spoon - To accurately measure the tamarind juice and salt.
Small bowl - To dissolve the palm sugar in water before adding it to the sauce.
Plates or serving dishes - For serving the Dendeng Balado.
Garnish (optional) - Such as sliced chili peppers, lime wedges, or chopped cilantro, to enhance the presentation of the dish.

Origin stories

Dendeng Balado is a traditional dish from the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It's a marriage of two Indonesian food icons: 'Dendeng', which refers to thinly sliced, dried meat (often compared to jerky), and 'Balado', a fiery, chili-based spice mixture. What makes this dish particularly unique is the method of preparing the beef. The Minangkabau people, known for their skills in drying meat, would traditionally sun-dry the slices of beef for a day or two, which imparts a deeper flavor to the meat and allows it to last for extended periods. The advent of modern appliances has given way to pan-frying as a quicker alternative, but the essence of the dish remains the same. The marriage of the crispy dendeng with the hot and tangy balado sauce brings a harmonious play of textures and flavors that is representative of Sumatran cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.