Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup
A rich and creamy beef soup from Jakarta, featuring tender chunks of beef in a coconut milk-based broth with aromatic spices.
📑 In This Guide
💡 Did You Know?
Soto Betawi uses fresh milk or coconut milk, giving it a distinctive creamy white appearance unlike other Indonesian sotos.
🛒 Ingredients
- 500 g beef brisket, diced
- 1 liter water for boiling
- 500 ml thick coconut milk
- 500 ml full cream milk
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 3 cm galangal, bruised
- Ground spice paste: 8 shallots, 5 garlic cloves, 3 candlenuts, 2 cm ginger, 2 cm turmeric, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp coriander
- Garnish: fried potatoes, tomatoes, spring onions, fried shallots, melinjo crackers, lime, chili sambal
👨🍳 Instructions
- Boil beef until tender. Remove and dice. Reserve the broth.
- Grind all spice paste ingredients. Sauté in oil until fragrant.
- Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Sauté until wilted.
- Pour in beef broth and coconut milk. Stir well. Add the beef.
- Cook over medium heat until boiling, then pour in the milk.
- Stir gently so the coconut milk and milk don't curdle.
- Add salt, sugar, and bouillon powder. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with fried potatoes, tomatooes, spring onions, fried shallots, melinjo crackers, and lime.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup?
A rich and creamy beef soup from Jakarta, featuring tender chunks of beef in a coconut milk-based broth with aromatic spices.
Where does Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup come from?
Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.
What makes Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup broth special?
The broth in Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup gets its distinctive flavor from 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised, Ground spice paste: 8 shallots, 5 garlic cloves, 3 candlenuts, 2 cm ginger, 2 cm turmeric, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp coriander. The broth is typically simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor from the bones and spices.
Is Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup difficult to make?
Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.
Can I use light coconut milk for Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup?
While light coconut milk can be used, the traditional recipe calls for thick coconut milk (santan kental) for authentic richness and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup?
The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).
How do I store leftover Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup?
Store leftover Soto Betawi: Authentic Jakarta Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.
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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team
This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.