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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
Bakso is a beloved Indonesian dish featuring tender meatballs served in a flavorful broth. The meatballs are made by blending beef with ice cubes for a smooth texture, then seasoned with tapioca, fried shallots, garlic, and spices. The broth is simmered with beef ribs, lime leaves, bay leaves, and aromatic bumbu dasar putih for hours, creating a rich and fragrant base. Served with noodles, chopped green onions, celery, and crispy fried shallots, this dish is...
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Fry the thinly sliced shallots and garlic until golden brown.

Blend the beef and ice cubes together until smooth.

Add the tapioca, fried shallots and garlic, salt, mushroom bouillon, egg white, white pepper, and baking powder to the beef mixture, then blend into a smooth mixture.

Heat 1 liter of hot water in a pot, ensuring it is not boiling to prevent the bakso mixture from falling apart.

Squeeze the meatball mixture through your fingers to form balls, then scoop them off with a spoon.

Gently simmer the meatballs in the hot water until cooked through.

Transfer the cooked meatballs to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to set their texture.

Combine 2 liters of water, blanched beef ribs, green onion, lime leaves, bay leaves, bumbu dasar putih, salt, and mushroom bouillon in a pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours to develop a rich flavor.
Serve the bakso with noodles, chopped green onions, chopped celery, and fried shallots.

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Ensure the water for cooking the meatballs is hot but not boiling to maintain their shape.
Transfer the cooked meatballs to ice water to set their texture and prevent overcooking.
Simmer the broth for at least 1.5 hours to extract maximum flavor from the beef ribs and aromatics.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
What is bumbu dasar putih?
Bumbu dasar putih is a basic Indonesian spice paste made from garlic, shallots, and other aromatics.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Use hot water (not boiling) for cooking the meatballs and ensure the mixture is blended smoothly.
Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, the broth can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What type of noodles should I use?
You can use any type of noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, depending on your preference.

From my mom’s warung to your kitchen Keeping Indonesian recipes alive

