Kawan Mastah, hello! Are you a fan of spicy meatballs? If so, you must try “bakso mercon.” Bakso mercon is a traditional Indonesian dish that is popular for its spicy flavor, which is perfect for those who love spicy foods. In this article, I will share with you how to make bakso mercon from scratch. Follow me step by step and let’s get started!
What Is Bakso Mercon?
Bakso mercon is a spicy meatball dish that originated from the city of Solo in Central Java, Indonesia. The name “mercon” comes from the Indonesian word for fireworks, which perfectly describes the explosive flavor of this dish. Bakso mercon is made from ground beef mixed with various herbs and spices, shaped into balls, and then boiled. The balls are then served in a spicy broth, often with noodles, vegetables, and other accompaniments.
Ingredients
To make bakso mercon, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredient |
Amount |
|---|---|
Ground beef |
500 grams |
Garlic |
5 cloves |
Shallot |
3 bulbs |
Candlenut |
3 pieces |
Bird’s eye chilies |
10 pieces |
Chili powder |
1 tablespoon |
Coriander seeds |
1 tablespoon |
Cumin seeds |
1 tablespoon |
Salt |
1 tablespoon |
Egg |
1 |
Tapioca starch |
100 grams |
Ice water |
100 ml |
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
First, prepare the spice paste by grinding together the garlic, shallot, candlenut, bird’s eye chilies, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle or food processor. Mix the spice paste with the ground beef in a large bowl.
Add the egg, tapioca starch, salt, and ice water to the bowl, and mix everything together thoroughly. Knead the mixture until it becomes sticky and elastic.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball using your palms. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used up.
Step 3: Boil the Meatballs
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the meatballs and boil them until they float to the surface, which should take around 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Broth
In a separate pot, prepare the spicy broth by boiling water with chili powder, salt, and other seasonings of your choice. Once the broth is boiling and well-mixed, add the meatballs and let them cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavor of the broth.
Step 5: Serve
When the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve them in bowls with the spicy broth. Add noodles, vegetables, and other garnishes to your liking. Enjoy your homemade bakso mercon!
FAQ
What is tapioca starch, and where can I buy it?
Tapioca starch is a type of flour made from the root of the cassava plant. It is commonly used in Indonesian cooking as a binding agent for meatballs and other dishes. Tapioca starch can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online.
How spicy is bakso mercon?
Bakso mercon is known for its extreme spiciness, so be prepared for a fiery taste! The level of spiciness can be adjusted by using more or fewer chilies in the recipe.
Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Yes, you can use any type of ground meat you prefer. However, beef is the traditional meat used in bakso mercon.
Can I make bakso mercon in advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later use. When you’re ready to serve, simply boil the meatballs and prepare the spicy broth as usual.
What are some good accompaniments for bakso mercon?
Bakso mercon is often served with noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, as well as vegetables like bean sprouts, bok choy, or cabbage. You can also add toppings like fried onions or chopped scallions for extra flavor.
Is bakso mercon healthy?
While bakso mercon is a delicious and satisfying dish, it is not particularly healthy due to its high fat and calorie content. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
That’s it, Kawan Mastah! Now you know how to make bakso mercon from scratch. It may take a bit of effort to prepare, but the result is a delicious and spicy treat that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Happy cooking!