Indonesian · intermediate
Tongseng Sapi (Javanese Sweet Soy And Coconut Beef Stew)
A quick, aromatic Central Javanese beef stew with tender cabbage, sweet tomatoes, and a fragrant sweet soy-coconut broth.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 20 min
- SERVES
- 4
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced shallots and garlic; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- 02
Add thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry rapidly for 3 to 4 minutes until browned on all sides.
- 03
Pour in light coconut milk and sweet soy sauce, stirring gently to integrate. Bring to a low boil.
- 04
Lower heat to medium and cook uncovered for 8 minutes until beef is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
- 05
Stir in sliced red chilies, chopped cabbage, and tomato wedges.
- 06
Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until cabbage is bright green yet crisp, then serve warm with steamed rice.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Quick Braising with Fresh Greens
Browning sliced meats rapidly in sweet coconut gravy, adding crisp vegetables at the final minute for textural contrast.
Notes from the kitchen
- Slicing beef thinly across the grain cuts down cooking time drastically while keeping it tender.
- Add tomatoes right at the end to keep them from breaking down completely into the broth.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Indonesian; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.
