Indonesian Sticky Rice with Ground Beef

Indonesian-Inspired Sticky Rice with Ground Beef

Before coming back to work at the ranch my immediate family lived and worked abroad. One of the places we got to call home was Bergen, North Holland. It was here I experienced then learned to cook Indonesian dishes. This dish brings together the rich flavors of this Indonesian cuisine with sticky rice and savory ground beef. Simple but something different that my family really enjoys. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

Sticky Rice

• 2 cups sticky rice

• 2 1/2 cups water

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Indonesian Ground Beef:

• 1 lb grassfed ground beef

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (sambal oelek or your preferred chili sauce)

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Fried crispy shallots (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Sticky Rice:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.

2. Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine the soaked rice, 2 1/2 cups of water, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.

Preparing the Ground Beef:

1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned.

3. Season the Beef: Stir in the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili sauce. Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and chopped kaffir lime leaves if using. Mix well to combine and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Serve the Rice: Fluff the sticky rice with a fork and divide it among serving plates.

2. Top with Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the sticky rice.

3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and fried shallots for added flavor and texture.

Tips:

• Kecap Manis Substitute: If you can't find sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), you can make a substitute by combining regular soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar or honey.

• Additional Vegetables: I add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, spinach, broccolini or peas to the ground beef mixture for added nutrition and color.

• Top each serving with soft fried egg