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Indonesia · Food

Semur Daging

115 min
530 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Semur Daging🇮🇩AI-generated image

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

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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.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Semur Daging from another cuisine is Kufteh Rizah (Iran): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Grind 8 shallots, 4 garlic cloves, 4 candlenuts, 1 tsp coriander seeds 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. Simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and begins to pull away from the bone.

  • 6

    Remove the lid, raise the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for a further 15 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy has reduced to a thick, dark, glossy sauce that coats the beef.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Semur Daging?

Semur Daging is an Indonesian beef stew characterized by a dark, rich, and sweet soy sauce base. It is prepared with beef ribs and aromatic spices such as candlenut and coriander, and is typically served as a main dish during daily meals or special occasions.

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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