Beef Fillet in Coconut

Indonesian Beef Fillet in Coconut Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Fillet in Coconut is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the creamy, sweet taste of coconut. This recipe is a delightful fusion of ingredients that create a mouth-watering meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal with your family, this dish is sure to satisfy.

History

The origins of Beef Fillet in Coconut can be traced back to Southeast Asian cuisine, where coconut milk is a staple ingredient used in many dishes. This recipe is inspired by traditional methods of cooking with beef and coconut, incorporating spices and flavors that have been cherished for centuries. Over time, it has evolved and been adapted in various cultures, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

500 g beef eye fillet
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tsp of finely grated lemon rind
1 tsp of freshly grated ginger
2 tsp of ground coriander
0.5 tsp of ground turmeric
2 tsp of grated palm sugar
3 tbsp of peanut oil
0.5 cup of desiccated coconut
3 onions, cut into thin strips
0.5 cup of coconut milk

How to prepare

Slice the beef into thin pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon rind, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, palm sugar, and 2 tbsp of oil. Add the beef to the bowl and toss until well coated.
Cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the beef to marinate.
Heat a wok over medium heat and add the remaining oil.
Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry in batches until it is well browned.
Add the scallions and coconut to the wok and continue to stir-fry for an additional 1 minute.
Return all the cooked beef to the wok and pour in the coconut milk. Stir until the beef is heated through.
Serve the dish hot with steamed rice.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the marinade. Vegetarians can substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can increase the dish's nutritional value and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, marinate it for at least an hour or, if possible, overnight. This allows the meat to absorb all the spices and tenderize, resulting in a more flavorful dish. When stir-frying the beef, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning of the meat. Lastly, use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot with a side of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for an added zest.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the beef and stir-frying over high heat are crucial techniques for this recipe. These methods ensure the meat is flavorful and tender while retaining the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If peanut oil is a concern, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives. Soy sauce or fish sauce can be added to the marinade for an umami flavor. Brown sugar can replace palm sugar if unavailable.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, saving time and enhancing the flavor. The coconut sauce can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in a hollowed-out coconut for a dramatic presentation. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy IPA beer pairs well with the rich flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a lemongrass or ginger tea complements the meal beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef Fillet in Coconut contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a moderately calorie-dense meal that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the onions and desiccated coconut. A serving of Beef Fillet in Coconut contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come primarily from the peanut oil and coconut milk. While coconut milk contains saturated fats, it also offers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are believed to have several health benefits. A serving of this dish contains about 20-25 grams of fat, with a balance of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. A serving of Beef Fillet in Coconut offers approximately 25-30 grams of protein, making it a great option for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 from the beef, which is crucial for brain health and creating DNA. The coconut milk provides minerals like manganese and copper. Additionally, the spices and herbs contribute antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are peanuts (peanut oil) and potential allergens in coconut. Those with allergies to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Beef Fillet in Coconut is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. It's relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Summary

Beef Fillet in Coconut is a flavorful, nutritious dish that combines the rich taste of beef with the creamy sweetness of coconut. With its blend of spices and tender meat, it's a satisfying meal that's sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the fusion of flavors that make Southeast Asian cuisine so beloved.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the lush jungles of Thailand. My grandmother, an amazing cook in her own right, had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques.

One day, while rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that my grandmother had collected over the years, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed card with handwritten instructions for Beef Fillet in Coconut. Intrigued by the exotic-sounding dish, I asked my grandmother about it.

She smiled, a twinkle in her eye, and told me that the recipe had been given to her by a wise old woman who lived deep in the jungle. This woman was known for her incredible cooking skills and her vast knowledge of herbs and spices. She had shared the recipe with my grandmother as a token of friendship, and now it had been passed down to me.

Excited to try out this new recipe, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The smell of coconut milk and spices filled the air as I seared the beef fillet in a hot pan, then simmered it gently in a rich, creamy sauce. The flavors mingled and melded together, creating a dish that was both savory and sweet, with just a hint of heat from the chili peppers.

When the dish was finally ready, I served it up to my family, watching as their eyes lit up with delight at the first bite. The tender beef, bathed in a luscious coconut sauce, was a revelation. It was unlike anything we had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced on our tongues.

From that moment on, Beef Fillet in Coconut became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat my loved ones to something truly special. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that old recipe card and the wise old woman who had shared her secrets with us.

Over the years, I have made some modifications to the original recipe, adding my own twist with different spices and herbs. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a tribute to the friendship and culinary skills of that mysterious old woman from the jungle.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing Beef Fillet in Coconut for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through the generations. It is a legacy that I am proud to carry on, sharing the flavors and traditions of my youth with those I hold dear.

And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly dig into their plates, their faces lighting up with joy at the first taste of the dish, I know that the memory of that old recipe card will live on in our family for years to come. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

So here's to Beef Fillet in Coconut, a dish that holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those I love. May it continue to bring joy and comfort to all who taste its delicious flavors, just as it has done for me and my family for so many years.