Dendeng balado is a traditional dish from Padang, West Sumatra, known for its spicy and savory flavors. This dish consists of thinly sliced beef, fried until crispy, and then coated with a spicy chili sauce called balado.
Ingredients
To make Dendeng Balado Padang, you will need:
500 grams of beef sirloin
3 bay leaves
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
3 cm of galangal, bruised
1 tablespoon of tamarind water
500 ml of water
Cooking oil as needed
Spice Paste:
5 cloves of garlic
8 shallots
10 red chili peppers
5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
2 ripe tomatoes
Salt to taste
Sugar to taste
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Make sure the slices are not too thick so they can dry easily when fried.
Boil the beef slices with water, bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and tamarind water until the beef is tender and the water has reduced. Remove and drain.
Frying the Beef:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan.
Fry the beef slices until they are dry and crispy. Remove and drain.
Making the Balado Sauce:
Blend all the spice paste ingredients until smooth using a blender or mortar and pestle.
Sauté the spice paste with a bit of oil until fragrant and cooked through.
Add salt and sugar to taste, stirring well.
Mixing the Beef with Balado Sauce:
Add the fried beef to the pan with the balado sauce.
Stir until the beef is well coated with the sauce.
Cook briefly until all the flavors are absorbed.
Serving
Dendeng Balado Padang is ready to be served. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed white rice and fresh vegetables such as cucumber or lettuce. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips
Choose high-quality beef for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust the number of chilies according to your preferred spice level.
Store leftover Dendeng Balado in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat before serving.
Dendeng Balado Padang is a perfect dish for spice lovers. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious and spicy delicacy!
