🇮🇩 Indonesia · Food
Gulai Daging
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇮🇩 IDAI-generated imageA rich, creamy, and aromatic beef curry from Sumatra. Slow-cooked in coconut milk infused with a complex blend of local spices, this dish offers a deep, comforting flavor profile.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, and galangal into a fine paste using a blender or mortar and pestle.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and sauté the spice paste over medium heat until fragrant and slightly darkened.
- 3
Add 500g of beef cut into chunks to the pot, searing until the surface is browned on all sides.
- 4
Bruise the 2 lemongrass stalks with the back of your knife and add them to the beef along with a pinch of salt.
- 5
Pour in the 400ml of coconut milk, stir gently to combine everything, and bring to a very low simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot partially and let it cook for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
- 7
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened into a luxurious consistency, taste and adjust the salt level.
- 8
Remove the lemongrass before serving and present the dish warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fried shallots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gulai Daging?+
Gulai Daging is an Indonesian beef curry cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk base. It is seasoned with aromatics like turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass, and is typically served as a main dish during communal meals or festive occasions.
What beef cut is best?+
Use a cut like chuck or brisket, which breaks down beautifully during the slow-simmering process.
Can I make it less spicy?+
Gulai is generally mild compared to other Indonesian curries, but you can omit chilies entirely.
How to prevent coconut milk from separating?+
The key is to stir regularly and keep the heat very low; avoid a rolling boil.
Is galangal essential?+
Yes, galangal provides a distinct, piney citrus aroma that defines the authentic taste of Gulai.
🇮🇩 IDAI-generated image
