Authentic Tibetan Shapta Recipe: Homemade Spicy Stir-Fried Beef

Ingredients

500 grams of boneless mutton
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, minced
2 green chilies, sliced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of vinegar
1 teaspoon of black pepper powder
1 teaspoon of red chili powder
2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it turns golden brown.
Next, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced green chilies to the pan. Stir well and sauté for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Now, add the boneless mutton to the pan and cook until it changes color. Stir occasionally to ensure the mutton cooks evenly.
Then, add the soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine with the mutton.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the mutton cook for about 20-25 minutes or until it becomes tender.
Once the mutton is cooked, add the tomato sauce to the pan and stir well. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finally, garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Large Pan - A large pan is needed to cook the Shapta.
Knife - A knife is required to chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and coriander leaves.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary to chop the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and salt.
Stove - A stove is required for cooking the Shapta.
Spatula - A spatula is essential for stirring and flipping the mutton while cooking.
Cover or Lid - A cover or lid is needed to cover the pan while the mutton cooks.

Recipe variations

Replace the boneless mutton with boneless chicken or beef.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a more colorful dish.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped fresh chili peppers.
Include additional spices like cumin powder, turmeric powder, or garam masala for a more flavorful taste.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes.
Experiment with different sauces such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to give the dish a unique twist.
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions for added texture and flavor.
For a healthier version, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

Recipe overview

Shapta is a spicy, flavorful mutton dish that originates from the Himalayan region of Tibet. This recipe beautifully combines the robust flavors of mutton with the heat of green chilies and the tanginess of soy sauce and vinegar. The dish is further enhanced with the addition of aromatic spices such as ginger and garlic, and finished off with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this detailed recipe will guide you through each step of making Shapta at home. The process is straightforward and the results are sure to impress. Expect a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of this traditional Tibetan mutton recipe!

Common questions

Can I use any other meat instead of mutton? Yes, you can substitute mutton with beef or chicken if preferred.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the mutton with tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce? If you don't have soy sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce or tamari sauce as an alternative.
Can I make this recipe spicy? Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped fresh red chilies to make it spicier according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the shapta ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I serve with shapta? Shapta is often served with steamed rice or Tibetan bread (tingmo). You can also enjoy it with naan or roti.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for marinating the mutton and mixing the ingredients.
Large Pan - A wide and deep pan for cooking the shapta.
Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the mutton while cooking.
Chopping Board - A flat surface for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping and mincing the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the quantities of soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and salt.
Cover or Lid - A lid for covering the pan while the mutton cooks.
Garnish Plate - A plate for presenting the dish with the chopped coriander leaves as garnish.

Origin stories

Shapta, a Tibetan delight known for its fiery flavor, has roots that trace back to the high-altitude region of Tibet. Traditionally consumed by the hardworking and resilient people of this cold, mountainous territory, Shapta's rich and wholesome character is a reflection of the spirit of its people. This hearty dish was conceived to provide the energy required to endure the harsh Tibetan winters, and it is often enjoyed alongside Tingmo, a Tibetan steamed bread. The resilience of the Tibetan people is embodied in Shapta, a dish that combines the warmth of spices, the vigor of meat, and the subtlety of local flavors, creating a culinary experience that is as captivating and complex as the landscape of its birthplace.

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.