Authentic Indonesian Gulai: A Flavorful Curry Delight

Ingredients

500 grams of beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cans of coconut milk (400 ml each)
3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
2 turmeric leaves (optional)
2 teaspoons of tamarind paste
2 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
500 ml of water
Spice paste:

5 shallots
3 cloves of garlic
5 red chillies
3 bird's eye chillies (optional, adjust to your heat level)
3 candlenuts
1 inch of ginger
1 inch of galangal
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of coriander seeds

Steps and instructions

Firstly, prepare the spice paste. Combine shallots, garlic, red chillies, bird's eye chillies, candlenuts, ginger, galangal, turmeric powder, and coriander seeds in a food processor or blender. Blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and turmeric leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
Add the beef to the pan and cook until it changes color.
Pour in the coconut milk and water to the pan. Stir well.
Add the tamarind paste, salt, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
Check the seasoning, add more salt or sugar if needed.
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
Gulai is ready to be served. It is best served with warm rice.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping and prepping ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting the beef and other ingredients.
Food processor or blender - Used to make the spice paste.
Pan or pot - Needed for cooking the Gulai.
Spatula or wooden spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Required to measure the tamarind paste, salt, and sugar accurately.

Recipe variations

Substitute beef with chicken, lamb, or goat meat
Use fish or seafood instead of meat
Replace coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer flavor
Add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or eggplant for a more hearty dish
Include additional spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for added depth of flavor
Add a squeeze of lime juice or grated zest for a tangy twist
For a vegetarian/vegan option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh
Experiment with different chili varieties or adjust the amount to vary the level of spiciness
Add roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil

Recipe overview

Gulai is a traditional Indonesian dish that's rich in flavor and brimming with the warming spices typical of Southeast Asian cuisine. This hearty beef stew simmers in a robust coconut milk sauce, infused with a tantalizing mix of spices and fresh herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Our Gulai recipe takes you through the process step-by-step, breaking down the ingredients and explaining how to make the all-important spice paste from scratch. Though this dish does require some time to allow the flavors to develop and the beef to tenderize, the result is an aromatic, satisfyingly savory dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to Indonesia. Serve it over warm rice for a complete meal that's both comforting and exotically delicious.

Common questions

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken usually cooks faster than beef.
What can I use as a substitute for turmeric leaves?
If you can't find turmeric leaves, you can omit them from the recipe. The dish will still be delicious without them.
Is there a vegetarian version of Gulai?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Gulai by using vegetable broth and substituting the meat with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make Gulai in advance?
Yes, Gulai can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Simply reheat it before serving.
How spicy is Gulai?
The spice level of Gulai can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red and bird's eye chillies. If you like it spicier, you can add more chillies or use hotter varieties.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - For cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Knife - To cut the beef and prepare the ingredients.
Pan - To cook the spice paste and simmer the gulai.
Wooden Spoon - To stir the ingredients while cooking.
Food Processor or Blender - To blend the spice paste ingredients into a smooth paste.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the tamarind paste, salt, and sugar.
Serving Bowls - To serve the gulai.
Plates - For serving the gulai with rice.
Spoons - For serving the gulai onto plates or bowls.
Rice Cooker or Pot - To cook rice to accompany the gulai.

Origin stories

Gulai is a type of food containing rich, spicy and succulent curry-like sauce commonly found in Indonesia and Malaysia. The term gulai is derived from the Indonesian word "gule", which literally translates to curry. Although "curry" may sound Indian, the dish itself has a distinctly Indonesian flavor due to the use of local spices and ingredients like candlenuts, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. An interesting tidbit is that in Indonesia, gulai is recognized as a category of dishes, and the country boasts more than a hundred variants of gulai recipes, ranging from the main ingredients used to the composition of spices. Each region in Indonesia has their own unique gulai recipes that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the rich cultural and culinary diversity of the archipelago.

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.