| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 7g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 28g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Indonesian Daging Asam Manis
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From the sprawling prairies of Montana to the vibrant streets of Jakarta, my culinary journey has been rich and varied. When I stumbled upon Daging Asam Manis, it was like discovering a hidden gem that blends savory and sweet flavors effortlessly. This Indonesian dish, with its tender slices of beef and aromatic spices, immediately captivated my taste buds. It’s the epitome of a dish that brings a chorus of tastes—bold, sweet, tangy, and savory—all in one delightful medley.
### The Symphony of Flavor
What sets Daging Asam Manis apart is its harmonious layering of flavors. The soy sauce provides a robust umami foundation, the tomato ketchup adds a layer of sweet tanginess, while the rice vinegar introduces a zesty acidity. Together with the brown sugar, these ingredients elevate the juicy beef slices, making every bite an indulgent experience. Growing up enjoying hearty rancher’s meals, I appreciate how this dish manages to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. The incorporation of pineapple chunks is reminiscent of the unexpected fruit pairings we often stumbled upon in nature.
### Cooking With Inspiration
While I am deeply rooted in my Montanan culinary heritage, I continuously seek inspiration from around the world. Chef William Wongso, a renowned figure in Indonesian cuisine, has been a significant influence in my exploration of Indonesian flavors. His dedication to preserving traditional Indonesian recipes while making them accessible to the global palate resonates with my approach to cooking. Wongso’s passion for balancing flavors was a guiding light when I first tried crafting Daging Asam Manis in my kitchen.
To enhance your experience, serve Daging Asam Manis with a steaming plate of jasmine rice. The fluffy grains do an excellent job of soaking up the rich, sweet sauce, making sure not a drop is missed. Additionally, consider pairing this dish with a vibrant Acar (Indonesian pickled vegetables) for a nice contrasting crunch. If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’ll find Daging Asam Manis shares similarities with Sweet and Sour Pork, with its combination of meat and pineapple, though the Indonesian version offers a more complex taste due to its unique blend of spices.
Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Daging Asam Manis and let your taste buds explore the remarkable taste journey this dish offers!
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What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (use red, yellow, or green for variety)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
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Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step Two
Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step Four
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Step Five
Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step Six
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Step Seven
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Step Eight
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the corn starch in 1/4 cup of water. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to thicken the sauce.
Step Nine
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step Ten
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Step Eleven
Serve the Daging Asam Manis over cooked white rice. Enjoy!
