Authentic Indonesian Krecek Recipe: A Sumptuous and Spicy Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of dried cow skin (krecek)
  • 200 grams of beef, diced
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • 1000 ml of water
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 green chili peppers, sliced
  • 2 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 100 grams of unripe jackfruit, cut into pieces
  • 200 ml of thick coconut milk
  • Spice paste ingredients:
    • 6 shallots
    • 4 cloves of garlic
    • 5 red chili peppers
    • 3 bird's eye chili peppers
    • 1 inch of ginger
    • 1 inch of galangal
    • 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the dried cow skin (krecek) in warm water for 2-3 hours until it softens.
  2. While the cow skin is soaking, prepare the spice paste. Combine the shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, bird's eye chili peppers, ginger, galangal, and shrimp paste in a food processor or blender. Process until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Saute until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Add the diced beef to the pot and cook until it changes color.
  5. Drain the cow skin and add it to the pot. Mix well with the other ingredients.
  6. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, tamarind paste, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
  7. Pour the water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1-2 hours until the cow skin is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
  9. Add the sliced green and red chili peppers, unripe jackfruit pieces, and thick coconut milk. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  10. Check the seasoning and add more salt or sugar if needed. Remove the pot from the heat.
  11. Allow the krecek to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the krecek along with other ingredients.
  • Food processor or blender - A food processor or blender is required to make the spice paste.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to dice the beef and cut the unripe jackfruit into pieces.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is essential for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the salt, sugar, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and tamarind paste.
  • Stove - A stove is needed to cook the krecek over heat.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is necessary for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Strainer - A strainer is required to drain the soaked cow skin before adding it to the pot.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute dried cow skin (krecek) with chicken skin or pork skin for a different flavor.
  • Replace the beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or cabbage for extra texture and color.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, cinnamon, or cardamom to give the dish a unique twist.
  • Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer and creamier sauce.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of vinegar for a tangy flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili peppers or add a few teaspoons of chili paste.
  • Garnish with fried shallots or crushed peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
  • If jackfruit is not available, substitute it with green papaya or bamboo shoots.
  • Adjust the sweetness and saltiness levels according to personal preference.

Recipe overview

Krecek is a traditional Indonesian dish that features the unique ingredient of cow skin, coupled with a variety of aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe takes you through the process of creating this flavorful dish from scratch, incorporating ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a homemade spice paste, for a meal that is deeply satisfying and rich in flavor. Expect to spend a fair amount of time on this recipe, as it includes soaking the cow skin and slow cooking to allow all the flavors to beautifully meld together. The end result will be a tender, spicy, and slightly tangy dish that is typically served with rice, making it a unique and hearty meal that is worth every minute spent on preparation. Whether you're familiar with Indonesian cuisine or eager to try something new, this Krecek recipe offers a delicious culinary adventure.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to soak the dried cow skin (krecek)? - Soak the dried cow skin in warm water for 2-3 hours until it softens.
  2. What are the key ingredients for the spice paste? - The key ingredients for the spice paste are shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, bird's eye chili peppers, ginger, galangal, and shrimp paste.
  3. How long should I simmer the krecek? - Simmer the krecek for about 1-2 hours until the cow skin is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
  4. When do I add the sliced chili peppers, unripe jackfruit, and thick coconut milk? - Add the sliced green and red chili peppers, unripe jackfruit pieces, and thick coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
  5. Can I adjust the seasoning? - Yes, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or sugar according to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the krecek and allow enough space for simmering.
  • Food processor or blender - A food processor or blender is required to prepare the spice paste.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to dice the beef and cut the unripe jackfruit.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for safely chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is helpful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the turmeric powder, coriander powder, tamarind paste, salt, and sugar.
  • Cooking utensils - Other essential cooking utensils such as tongs and ladle may be helpful while preparing and serving the dish.
  • Serving bowls - Serving bowls are required to present the krecek when serving.
  • Rice or steamed rice - Krecek is commonly served with rice or steamed rice as a side dish.

Origin stories

Krecek, a traditional Indonesian dish, hails from Central Java and is a prime example of the region's culinary creativity and resourcefulness. What might initially appear as an unusual ingredient to many, dried cow skin, is transformed into a delicacy through a slow and patient cooking process. The dish embodies the spirit of gotong royong, or community cooperation, largely due to its time-consuming preparation that often becomes a collective effort. Krecek is typically served during significant events and celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, symbolizing unity and shared joy. The harmonious blend of complex flavors and textures in this dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Java, where every ingredient, no matter how humble, has the potential to create gastronomic delight.

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.