Homemade Bakso: Authentic Indonesian Meatball Soup Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of ground beef
100 grams of tapioca starch
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 block of beef bouillon
1500 ml of water
2 green onions
2 tablespoons of fried shallots
2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoons of chili sauce
2 packages of egg noodles

Steps and instructions

Mince the garlic and then mix it with the ground beef, white pepper, egg white, salt, and tapioca starch in a large bowl. Form the mixture into round meatballs.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the beef bouillon and stir until it dissolves.
Drop the meatballs into the boiling broth and let them cook for around 15 minutes, or until they float to the top.
While the meatballs are cooking, chop the green onions and set them aside.
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, divide them between serving bowls.
When the meatballs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the broth and divide them among the serving bowls on top of the noodles.
Pour the hot broth over the meatballs and noodles in each bowl.
Top each bowl with the chopped green onions, fried shallots, sweet soy sauce, and chili sauce. Serve warm.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ground beef and other ingredients.
Pot - A large pot to boil the water and cook the meatballs.
Slotted Spoon - A utensil with slots to remove the cooked meatballs from the broth.
Chopping Board - A flat surface for chopping the green onions.
Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping the green onions.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients.
Serving Bowls - Bowls to serve the bakso with meatballs, noodles, and broth.
Sauce Dish - A dish to hold the sweet soy sauce and chili sauce for garnishing the bakso.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for the meatballs.
Add chopped vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the meatball mixture.
Replace tapioca starch with cornstarch or all-purpose flour.
Add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Make a vegetarian version by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat for the meatballs.
Substitute egg noodles with rice noodles, spaghetti, or udon noodles.
Add bok choy or spinach to the broth for added greens.
Make a spicy version by adding more chili sauce or using a spicier chili sauce.
Try different toppings such as fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or grated cheese.
Experiment with a gluten-free version by using gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

Recipe overview

Bakso is a traditional Indonesian dish that consists of savory meatballs, rich broth, and tender egg noodles. This comforting dish is incredibly hearty and full of flavor from ingredients like garlic, white pepper, and beef bouillon. Topped with fresh green onions, crispy fried shallots, sweet soy sauce, and spicy chili sauce, each bowl provides a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. This recipe serves four and takes around 45 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a great option for a warming weeknight dinner. Whether you're a fan of Indonesian cuisine or trying it for the first time, you'll love the delicious complexity of Bakso.

Common questions

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef? - Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, pork, or a combination of meats according to your preference.
Can I use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch? - Yes, you can use cornstarch as a substitute for tapioca starch in this recipe.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked? - The meatballs are cooked when they float to the top of the boiling broth and have a firm texture.
Can I make the broth ahead of time? - Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before pouring it over the noodles and meatballs.
Can I freeze the meatballs? - Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? - Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce according to your taste preferences.
Can I add vegetables to the dish? - Yes, you can add blanched vegetables such as bok choy or bean sprouts to the serving bowls before pouring the hot broth over them.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - Used for boiling water and cooking the meatballs.
Slotted spoon - Used to remove the cooked meatballs from the broth.
Chopping board - Used for chopping the green onions.
Knife - Used for mincing the garlic and chopping the green onions.
Bowls - Used for serving the Bakso.
Soup ladle - Used for pouring the hot broth over the meatballs and noodles.
Frying pan - Used for frying the shallots.

Origin stories

Bakso, also known as Indonesian meatball soup, has a humble origin story that reflects the resourcefulness and creativity of Indonesian culinary traditions. Its name comes from "ba-so", a Chinese word meaning "minced meat", suggesting Chinese influence on this beloved dish. Although the dish is claimed by many to be a part of their culinary heritage, it is most commonly associated with street food culture in Indonesia. It was originally a food for the common people, sold from mobile food carts, and has since become a national dish beloved by all levels of society. Now, you can find Bakso everywhere, from humble street-side food carts to grandiose wedding banquets, proof of its enduring popularity. Despite the rise of instant bakso, many Indonesians still prefer the traditional version, crafted lovingly by hand and simmered to perfection in aromatic beef broth. The simplicity and depth of flavors of Bakso embody the spirit of Indonesian cuisine, making it a comforting staple in households across 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.