Belutak Daging Recipe: A Delicious Malaysian Treat
Are you craving a flavourful and satisfying Malaysian dish? Look no further than Belutak Daging, a hearty and rich meat stew perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. This recipe will guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece, ensuring a delicious and authentic result. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps needed to make this amazing dish!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make a truly authentic Belutak Daging, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
- Meat: Approximately 500g of beef, preferably brisket or chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also substitute with lamb or goat meat for a different flavour profile. Tip: Marinating the meat overnight will enhance the tenderness and flavour.
- Spices: This is where the magic happens! You'll need:
- 3-4 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 2-3 inches of ginger, thinly sliced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- ½ teaspoon of black peppercorns, lightly crushed
- Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn
- 2-3 pandan leaves, knotted (gives a subtle sweet aroma)
- Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups of beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and sugar to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Now, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare your Belutak Daging:
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Marinate the Meat (Optional but Recommended): Marinate the beef with half of the minced garlic, half of the ginger, half of the chopped chilies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the remaining minced garlic, sliced ginger, chopped chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and pandan leaves to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial for releasing the full flavour of the spices.
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Brown the Meat: Add the marinated beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This step enhances the depth of flavour.
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Simmer the Stew: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add Coconut Milk and Season: Stir in the coconut milk, salt, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful gravy.
Tips for the Perfect Belutak Daging
- Slow and Low: The key to tender beef is slow cooking. Don't rush the process!
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili to your preference.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the flavour of your Belutak Daging.
- Meat Choice: Experiment with different cuts of meat to find your favourite.
This Belutak Daging recipe is a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventures. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and enjoy the process of creating this delicious Malaysian dish! Selamat Mencuba! (Happy trying!)