Indonesian Delicacy: Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg oxtail, cut into pieces
  • 2 litres of water
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 2 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 3 tomatoes, quartered
  • 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder
  • 2 tablespoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fried shallots
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Soy sauce and lime wedges, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, and sauté until they are golden brown.
  2. Add the oxtail to the pot and cook until it changes colour.
  3. Add the water, lemongrass, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 3 hours until the oxtail is tender.
  5. Add the carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Before serving, add the green onions, fried shallots, and parsley to the soup. Stir well to combine.
  7. Serve the soup hot, with soy sauce and lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the soup and simmering the oxtail.
  • Knife - To cut the oxtail, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
  • Vegetable peeler - To peel the carrots and potatoes.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and sautéing the garlic and onions.
  • Tongs - To handle and flip the oxtail while cooking.
  • Soup ladle - For serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - The serving vessels for the Sop Buntut.
  • Soup spoons - Used for consuming the soup.
  • Chopsticks - Optional utensil for eating the oxtail meat and vegetables.

Recipe variations

  • Use beef or chicken instead of oxtail for a different flavor.
  • Add vegetables like cabbage, green beans, or corn for additional texture and color.
  • Include spices like cloves, cinnamon, or star anise to enhance the aroma.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to add a unique twist.
  • Add a spicy kick by including red chili peppers or chili flakes.
  • For a richer broth, you can use beef or chicken stock instead of water.
  • Try adding coconut milk for a creamy and slightly sweet variation.
  • For a healthier option, use lean cuts of meat and reduce the amount of oil used.
  • Explore using different types of root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the oxtail with mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth.

Recipe overview

Sop Buntut, also known as Indonesian Oxtail Soup, is a traditional dish that is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe involves slow cooking oxtail with a variety of aromatic ingredients such as garlic, onions, lemongrass, and nutmeg, resulting in a rich and savory broth. The addition of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes adds a touch of sweetness and a variety of textures. This soup is typically served hot and can be eaten as a main course. With this recipe, expect to create a comforting and delicious meal, perfect for any day of the week. Don't forget the soy sauce and lime wedges on the side for an extra kick of flavor!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of oxtail? You can use beef shanks or beef short ribs as a substitute for oxtail in this recipe.
  2. How can I make the oxtail tender faster? To speed up the cooking process, you can use a pressure cooker. Cook the oxtail under high pressure for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
  4. Can I freeze the leftover soup? Yes, you can freeze the leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What can I serve with sop buntut? Sop buntut is commonly served with steamed rice, fried shallots, and chili sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread or noodles if desired.
  6. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of salt, sugar, and other seasonings according to your preference. Taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and accommodate the oxtail and vegetables.
  • Knife and cutting board - These tools are necessary to cut the oxtail, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - You will need a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the soup while cooking.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - You will need soup bowls to serve the Sop Buntut.
  • Soy sauce dish - A small dish or bowl is needed for serving soy sauce alongside the soup.
  • Lime wedges dish - Another small dish or bowl is required for serving lime wedges alongside the soup.
  • Garnish plate - A plate can be used to hold the fried shallots and fresh parsley for garnishing the soup.

Origin stories

Sop Buntut, or oxtail soup, has a rich history in Indonesian culinary tradition. Despite being a humble dish often associated with home cooking and warmth, it has found its place in the menu of high-end Indonesian restaurants and hotels, both domestically and internationally. Interestingly, the dish's popularity boomed during the 1990s, so much so that it spurred a sort of 'oxtail soup war' among upscale hotels in Jakarta, each claiming to serve the best version of Sop Buntut. The dish's appeal lies in its rich, soothing broth, the tender oxtail meat, and its array of accompanying vegetables and spices, all of which combine to create a hearty meal that embodies the soulful essence of Indonesian 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.