Skip to content

Indonesia · Food

Gulai Daging

50 min
610 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Gulai Daging🇮🇩AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

9 matches

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

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 9 matches

A 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.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Gulai Daging from another cuisine is Daging Gulai Kawah (Malaysia): the two share 88% 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

    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 1 tsp of salt.

  • 5

    Pour in the 400ml of coconut milk and 250ml of water, stir gently to combine everything, and bring to a very low simmer.

  • 6

    Cover the pot partially and let it cook at a very low simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from curdling and the sauce from catching on the bottom. If the sauce becomes too thick before the beef is tender, stir in 100ml of hot water.

  • 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, and this recipe contains no chilies.

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.

Keep exploring