Rawon Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Rawon Ingredients

Rawon Instructions

  1. Toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
  2. Grind the toasted spices together with candlenuts (or macadamia nuts) in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until fine.
  3. Roughly chop the shallots, garlic, ginger, and galangal.
  4. Combine the chopped shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, ground toasted spices, and keluak paste in a food processor. Blend into a smooth paste, adding a splash of water if needed.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste is aromatic and the oil begins to separate.
  6. Pour the beef stock into a separate large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  7. Add the beef shank cubes to the boiling stock. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  8. Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the beef and broth. Stir well to combine.
  9. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and Indonesian bay leaves to the pot.
  10. Stir in the tamarind paste and grated palm sugar. Season with salt to taste.
  11. Simmer the soup gently over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Skim the surface occasionally to remove excess fat or impurities.
  12. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or palm sugar if needed.
  13. Ladle the rawon into serving bowls. Top each bowl with mung bean sprouts, halved hard-boiled eggs, fried shallots, and sliced scallions.
  14. Serve the rawon hot with cooked jasmine rice and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Estimated Calories: 350, Servings: 6

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Rawon Quick Mistake Fixes

When it comes to making a great Rawon, one of the most common pitfalls is ending up with a dish that's too salty. This can happen easily, especially if you're not careful with seasoning or if you use salty broth or preserved ingredients. The best way to fix this quickly is to add a bit of water to dilute the saltiness, but you can also toss in a peeled potato and let it simmer for a while to absorb some of the excess salt. Remember, a good Rawon should have a balanced, savory flavor, not an overwhelming saltiness. If you catch the problem early, it's easy to adjust and still end up with a delicious and healthy meal.
Another issue that can pop up is the appearance of the dish. Rawon is known for its deep, rich color, but sometimes it can look dull or unappetizing if not handled properly. A great tip for a better presentation is to garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crispy shallots just before serving. This not only makes the dish look more appealing but also adds a quick burst of flavor and texture. A good-looking bowl of Rawon is much more inviting and can make the whole meal feel special, even if you whipped it up fast on a busy weeknight.
Balancing flavors at the last minute is a skill that can really elevate your Rawon. If you taste it just before serving and find it a bit bland or missing that special something, don't worry. A squeeze of lime or a dash of sweet soy sauce can work wonders to bring everything together. Sometimes, a quick adjustment is all it takes to turn a decent dish into the best version of itself. With a few easy tweaks, you can ensure your Rawon is not just tasty but truly delicious, making your recipe a hit every time.

About Rawon Recipe

Rawon is a truly iconic dish that beautifully showcases the fusion of Indonesian Chinese flavors, and as a chef who has perfected this recipe over countless preparations, I can assure you it's one of the best comfort foods you'll ever taste. The secret to an authentic and delicious Rawon lies in the careful selection of ingredients-especially the use of keluak nuts, which give the soup its signature dark color and earthy depth. If you're searching for a homemade Rawon recipe that's both easy and quick to prepare, you'll find that with the right tips and a simple approach, you can achieve that perfect balance of flavors every time.
When learning how to make Rawon, it's essential to focus on building layers of taste. Start by sautéing your spice paste until fragrant, then add tender beef and let it simmer gently with the keluak and other key ingredients. This method ensures a tasty and rich broth that's both hearty and satisfying. For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients and don't rush the simmering process-this is one of my top tips for achieving that authentic, homemade flavor that sets the best Rawon apart from the rest.
What makes this Indonesian Chinese Rawon recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, you'll appreciate how easy it is to follow and how quick it can be to prepare with a few shortcuts. Serve your Rawon with steamed rice, bean sprouts, and salted eggs for a complete meal that's both delicious and memorable. With this recipe, you'll discover just how rewarding it is to create the perfect bowl of Rawon at home-rich, aromatic, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Rawon Story

The first time I ever tried this dish was during a family trip to Surabaya. We had just arrived after a long and tiring journey, and everyone was hungry and eager to find something good to eat. My uncle, who always seems to know the best local spots, insisted we visit a small, bustling eatery tucked away on a side street. The place was packed, which I took as a great sign, and the aroma in the air was absolutely mouthwatering. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity as we sat down and waited for our food to arrive.
I was with my cousins, who were just as eager as I was to try something new. The atmosphere was lively, with people chatting and laughing all around us. When the dish finally arrived at our table, my aunt smiled and told us that this was her favorite recipe, one she had enjoyed since she was a child. We all dug in together, and I was amazed at how delicious it was. The flavors were bold and comforting, and it was surprisingly easy to fall in love with it after just one bite. It felt like a special moment, sharing something so unique with people I cared about.
What struck me most was how quickly the meal brought everyone together. Even though we were all tired from traveling, the food lifted our spirits and made us feel at home. It was a fast way to connect with the local culture and with each other. Later, my aunt mentioned that this dish is actually quite healthy, which made me appreciate it even more. Ever since that day, I have always thought of it as a great comfort food, and I still look for quick and easy ways to recreate that experience whenever I can.

Rawon Tips

Looking to create the best homemade Rawon with an Indonesian Chinese twist? The secret to a truly authentic and delicious Rawon recipe lies in the balance of flavors and the quality of your ingredients. For a quick and easy approach, always use fresh spices and toast them lightly before blending-this step brings out their aroma and depth, making your Rawon extra tasty. If you want to know how to make the perfect bowl, simmer your beef slowly to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines the best Rawon.
For a simple yet flavorful result, don't skip the keluak (black nut), which gives Rawon its signature dark color and earthy taste. If you're after a quick recipe, prepare your spice paste in advance and store it in the fridge-this is one of the top tips for busy cooks who still want a homemade, authentic meal. When assembling your Rawon, add the spice paste gradually and taste as you go; this ensures you get the perfect balance and a truly tasty, delicious broth.
To elevate your Indonesian Chinese Rawon, serve it with classic sides like bean sprouts, salted egg, and sambal. These ingredients add texture and a burst of flavor, making your dish stand out. For the best results, always use high-quality beef and fresh herbs. Remember, the key to an easy and quick Rawon recipe is preparation-have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. With these tips, you'll master how to make the best, most authentic, and delicious Rawon every time!

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, the best way to keep Rawon fresh is by transferring it into an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. This easy step helps prevent the soup from absorbing other odors in your fridge and keeps the flavors locked in. For a healthy and delicious meal later, make sure to store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator. If you want to keep it for longer, Rawon also freezes well, making it a great recipe for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.Shelf life is another important factor to consider with Rawon. In the fridge, you can expect it to stay good for up to three or four days, which is perfect for those who love having fast and easy leftovers. If you decide to freeze it, Rawon can last for up to two months without losing much of its delicious flavor. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you always know when it is best to use them for a healthy and tasty meal.Reheating Rawon is super quick and simple, but there are a few tips to make sure you get the best results. For the most delicious flavor retention, gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps the flavors meld together and keeps the texture just right. If you are in a rush, the microwave is a good option too, but be sure to heat it in short bursts and stir in between to ensure even warming. With these easy reheating tips, your Rawon will taste just as great as when it was first made!