Skip to content
eatmundo

Malaysia · Food

Daging Salai Masak Lemak

55 min
620 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Daging Salai Masak Lemak🇲🇾AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

14 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Daging Salai Masak Lemak. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 14 matches

A traditional Negeri Sembilan delicacy featuring smoked beef simmered in a rich, golden, spiced coconut milk gravy. It is famously spicy, creamy, and deeply aromatic.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Daging Salai Masak Lemak from another cuisine is Gulai Daging (Indonesia): the two share 80% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Prepare a spice paste by blending the 15 g fresh turmeric, the shallots, the galangal and the 15 bird's eye chilies until smooth.

  • 2

    Heat oil in a heavy-based pot over medium heat, then fry the spice paste for 5 minutes until the oil separates.

  • 3

    Add the smoked beef (daging salai) slices into the pot, stirring well to ensure they are coated in the spice paste.

  • 4

    Pour in the thick coconut milk, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling as it begins to bubble.

  • 5

    Bruise the lemongrass stalks and add them to the pot along with the turmeric leaf for a signature aromatic lift.

  • 6

    Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.

  • 7

    Add 1.5 tsp salt, adjusting to taste, and make sure the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency; it should coat the back of a spoon.

  • 8

    Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh ulam (raw herbs and vegetables).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'daging salai'?

Daging salai is beef that has been naturally smoked over a low fire until it becomes firm and highly aromatic.

Can I substitute fresh turmeric with powder?

Yes, but fresh turmeric is preferred for its brighter color and earthier, cleaner flavor profile.

Why use turmeric leaf?

Turmeric leaf adds a subtle, citrusy aroma that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.

How spicy should this be?

This dish is traditionally quite hot; feel free to adjust the number of bird's eye chilies to suit your tolerance.

Keep exploring