This is a common dish to find in mamaks (Indian restaurants). Super tender chicken or beef coated in a rich, spicy and flavourful sambal.
Sambal Beef and brinjal
Spice paste
1.
Put shallots, garlic, big red chilli, galangal ginger and coriander seeds into a blender. Blend for about 2 minutes on high speed or till everything is smooth. Once done, put the spice paste into a bowl and set aside.
2.
Place beef cubes, bay leaves, tamarind liquid, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until beef is tender. When there is 3 minutes left, add in brinjal, long beans and blanch until cooked. When all ingredients are cooked. Use a sieve to drain everything.
3.
Heat up oil (high heat) in a frying pan and sauté beef cubes for 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from the frying pan and set aside.
4.
Using the same pan, add oil, the blended spice paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime. Cook for around 3 to 5 minutes till fragrant.
5.
Add in coconut milk, sweet soy sauce and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil.
6.
Add the beef, brinjal and long beans back into the frying pan, mix well, reduce heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, which takes about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and serve immediately.
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Tip
To obtain great flavour on the beef, the oil and pan should be really hot in order to get a nice sear.
Cost-saving tips