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Indonesian Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Indonesian Beef Skewers

Indonesian Beef Skewers, a staple of home-cooked meals, find their place on the table during any casual family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. This version reflects the way Indonesian families prepare it, with salt measured by instinct and a generous use of fat to enhance the meat's natural flavors.

The skewers offer a satisfying bite, with juicy beef cubes seasoned with cumin and black pepper, skewered with onion slices to add a subtle sweetness. These flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both savory and aromatic. Serve them hot off the grill for an authentic taste of Indonesian home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning 800 g of beef cubes with a generous amount of fine sea salt and 1 tsp of cumin. Ensure each piece is well-coated by mixing them thoroughly with your hands. This step infuses the beef with flavor and prepares it for the cooking process.
  2. Peel and finely chop 1 onion. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Increase the heat to high and add the seasoned beef cubes to the pan in a single layer. Allow them to brown without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, ensuring a deep, rich color forms on the surface. This browning process enhances the flavor and creates a delicious crust.
  4. Once browned, you have the option to either braise or grill the beef. For braising, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the beef cook gently until tender, stirring occasionally. If grilling, thread the beef cubes onto skewers and place them on a preheated grill, turning occasionally until cooked through and tender.
  5. As the beef approaches doneness, taste a piece and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. The beef should be tender and flavorful, with a slight char on the outside.
  6. Serve the Indonesian Beef Skewers with rice, bread, or salad, allowing the rich, spiced flavors to complement your chosen side. This dish is perfect for sharing and brings the warmth of Indonesian home cooking to your table.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indonesian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indonesian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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