Daging Masak Merah (Red Cooked Meat) with Nasi Tomato (Tomato Rice)

One of the things that I looked forward to at a Malay wedding back home, besides the happy couple, is the food. The variety of colors, smells, tastes...

This dish is commonly cooked with chicken, but I've decided to make it with beef and hence, daging masak merah. It is aboslutely hot and spicy (even to my standard!), yet incredibly appetizing especially paired with the tomato rice. However, my tomato rice turned out to be slightly on the damp side. I think that if I had used basmati rice or less water with jasmine rice, it would have turned out better. Perhaps next time!

Red hot!

Daging Masak Merah (Red Cooked Meat)
2 lbs of beef
2 tbsp of turmeric powder
1 tbsp of salt
1 cup of red onions, chopped
2 tbsp of ginger, grated
4 cloves of garlic, minced
6 oz of tomato puree
1 cup of chili paste (sambal olek)
3 tbsp of Sriracha hot chili sauce
1 cup of tomato ketchup
2 tbsp of sweet dark soy sauce
1 large onion, cut into rings
1/2 tbsp of sugar
salt to taste
2 cups of water
3 - 4 kaffir lime leaves (subs. zest of 1 lime)
2 - 3 pandan leaves (optional)

Lightly coat stew beef pieces with turmeric powder and salt. Marinate for at least 30 mins.
Heat wok on high. Add sufficient vegetable oil to fry beef. Fry beef in batches till golden brown, drain on paper towels and set aside.
Pour off all but 4 tbsp of oil. Add red onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir fry for a few seconds. Add chili paste and stir fry for 1 - 2 mins.
Add hot chili sauce, tomato puree, tomato ketchup, sweet dark soy sauce, sugar and salt to taste. Stir fry for 1 min.
Add kaffir lime leaves (or lime zest), pandan leaves (optional), 2 cups of water, and bring to boil. Then, immediately reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 10 mins.
Add beef, stir well to coat evenly with sauce.
Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25 - 35 mins.
Add onion rings, simmer for 3 - 5 mins. Onion rings should have a slight crunch.
Serve with steamed rice or nasi tomato (tomato rice).

Nasi Tomato (Tomato Rice)
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 cloves
1/2 cup of milk
1 inch of ginger, crushed
1 can of tomato puree
sugar and salt to taste
2 cups of water
2 cups of rice (jasmine or basmati rice)

Heat up oil in a pot.
Saute the onions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise until fragrant.
Add milk, tomato puree, water, and rice. Stir for 5 mins.
Remove from heat and place into a rice cooker.
Add sugar and salt.
Cook until done.