🇮🇩 Indonesia · Food
Semur Daging
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
A fragrant and tender Indonesian beef stew braised in a rich, sweet soy sauce-based gravy. It features a unique blend of aromatic spices that creates a deep, comforting umami flavor.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Grind 8 shallots, 4 garlic, 4 candlenuts, and 2cm turmeric into a fine paste using a mortar or food processor.
- 2
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and sauté the spice paste until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- 3
Add 600g beef ribs and sear them until they start to brown, sealing in the juices, roughly 5 minutes.
- 4
Pour in 500ml water and 100ml sweet soy sauce, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly, simmering for 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
- 6
Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly for the final 5 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly.
- 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with 1 tsp salt, noting that the sauce will naturally be sweet and savory.
- 8
Serve the stew hot, ideally with steamed white rice, and garnish with crisp fried shallots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are candlenuts essential?+
Yes, they provide the necessary creaminess and thickness to the sauce, though macadamia nuts are a decent substitute.
Can I use other cuts of beef?+
Yes, brisket or chuck are excellent alternatives as they break down well during the long simmer.
How do I know the beef is done?+
The beef is done when it is fork-tender and begins to pull away from the bone effortlessly.
Why is the sauce sweet?+
The sweetness is a signature of Semur, derived primarily from the Indonesian sweet soy sauce (kecap manis).
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