Indonesian Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup) Recipe
Sop Buntut, or Indonesian Oxtail Soup, is a tasty dish that combines tender oxtail with a flavorful broth made from aromatic spices and vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Here's a high-level summary of how to prepare this classic Indonesian soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg oxtail, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed or 1-2 teaspoon sambal oelek
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Steamed rice or roti, for serving
Instructions
- Browning the Oxtail: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the browned oxtail from the pot and set aside.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Adding Spices and Herbs: Add the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon stick, cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
- Adding Broth and Oxtail: Add the beef broth, water, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and falls off the bone.
- Adding Heat: Add the crushed red chilies or sambal oelek to the pot and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serving: Serve the Sop Buntut hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and accompanied by steamed rice or roti.
Tips
i. For a richer flavor, use beef bones or oxtail bones to make a homemade beef broth.
ii. Add potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables to make the soup more substantial.
iii. Serve with a side of sambal kecap (chili sauce with soy sauce) or krupuk (Indonesian crackers) for added flavor and texture.
Sop Buntt is a delicious, warming dish that brings together the rich flavors of Indonesian spices with tender, slow-cooked oxtail. It’s perfect for those who love heartyu soups with deep, aromatic flavors.
