Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the red chili flakes entirely for a milder version of this Indonesian beef stir-fry recipe.
DINNER
Spicy Indonesian Beef & Green Bean Stir-fry (Tumis Daging Sapi Buncis)
Experience the bold flavors of Indonesia with this quick and satisfying stir-fry. Tender slices of beef and crisp green beans are tossed in a rich, savory, and spicy sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that's both vibrant and deeply flavorful.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of regular soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
03
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
04
Add the green beans to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
05
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the green beans. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of regular soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
06
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.
About This Recipe
Experience the bold flavors of Indonesia with this quick and satisfying stir-fry. Tender slices of beef and crisp green beans are tossed in a rich, savory, and spicy sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that's both vibrant and deeply flavorful.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For extra flavor, marinate the beef for up to 30 minutes. Ensure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to achieve a good sear and prevent steaming.
Easy Substitutions
You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or thinly sliced chicken breast. If you don't have kecap manis, you can make a substitute by mixing regular soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar or honey. Adjust chili flakes for your preferred spice level.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Indonesian Spicy Beef Stir-fry with Green Beans over steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of plain rice noodles or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spice. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it alongside other Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng or a fresh vegetable curry.
Common Mistakes
1. Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steaming instead of stir-frying, resulting in less flavorful and tougher meat. Cook beef in batches if necessary. 2. Overcooking the green beans: Green beans should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat once they reach the desired texture. 3. Not marinating the beef: While a quick dish, a short marinade significantly enhances the beef's flavor and tenderness. 4. Insufficient heat: A stir-fry needs high heat to cook quickly and develop flavor. Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients. 5. Adding all sauce ingredients at once: This can lead to uneven coating. Add the main sauces first, then chili flakes, and stir well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kecap manis?
Kecap manis is a sweet Indonesian soy sauce, thicker and more syrupy than regular soy sauce, with a distinct caramelized flavor. It's a key ingredient in many Indonesian dishes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Add them along with the green beans.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, traditional soy sauce and kecap manis contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free sweet soy sauce alternative or make your own with tamari and brown sugar.
How can I make the beef more tender?
Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial. You can also briefly marinate it with a pinch of baking soda (about 1/4 teaspoon for this amount of beef) for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before adding other marinade ingredients.
MORE TO KNOW
Achieving the perfect texture for stir-fries often comes down to proper heat management and not overcrowding the pan. When cooking the beef, ensure it's in a single layer as much as possible to allow for browning rather than steaming. If your skillet isn't large enough, cook the beef in two batches. This technique helps create that desirable caramelized crust on the meat, adding depth to the dish. For the green beans, aim for tender-crisp, retaining a slight bite for textural contrast.
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