Empal: Deep Fried Sliced Beef

Method12 steps · about 1 hr 30 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Slice the meat along the grain, with each slice measuring around 2×10 cm. Set aside.

   Uses 1 kg topside beef

2. 2

   Step 2: Using a blender or food processor, blend the shallots (8), garlic (4 cloves), candlenut (2) and coriander seeds (1 tsp) into a fine paste.

   Uses 8 small shallots, peeled, chopped · 4 cloves garlic, peeled, chopped · 2 candlenuts, chopped · 1 tsp whole coriander seeds

3. 3

   Step 3: Put the sliced beef, blended spice paste, bruised galangal (3 cm), two Indonesian bay leaves and salt to taste (to taste) in a non-stick cooking pot.

   Uses sliced beef · beef spice paste · 3 cm galangal, skin-on, bruised · 2 Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam) · Salt to taste

4. 4

   Step 4: Extract the tamarind (1 tsp) juice by squeezing it with 2 tbsp of water.

   Uses 1 tsp tamarind · 2 tbsp water for tamarind extraction

5. 5

   Step 5: Add the tamarind extract to the pan.

   Uses seasoned beef mixture · tamarind extract

6. 6

   Step 6: Add 1 cup of water.

   Uses beef with tamarind extract · 1 cup water for braising

7. 7

   Step 7: Mix all the ingredients together and cook it under a medium high flame.

   Uses assembled beef braise

8. 8

   Step 8: When it boils, reduce the flame to medium.

   Uses boiling beef braise

9. 9

   Step 9: Cook for about 45 minutes, until the beef is tender but still firm. If the pot starts drying out, add some of the remaining ⅞ cup water, heated; use further hot water only if needed to prevent burning.

   Braise beef · 45 minUses simmering beef braise · Up to remaining ⅞ cup water, as needed · Additional hot water only if needed to prevent the braise drying out

10. 10

    Step 10: Turn off the flame and cool off the meat.

    Uses cooked tender beef

11. 11

    Step 11: Using a mortar and pestle, pound the meat lightly, making sure the meat does not disintegrate.

    Uses cooled cooked beef

12. 12

    Step 12: Deep-fry the cooked beef until brown, turning it after about 2–3 minutes and cooking the second side another 2–3 minutes, about 4–6 minutes total.

    Fry both beef sides · 6 minUses gently pounded cooked beef · Cooking oil as needed to deep-fry the cooked beef