Bakso
Indonesian Beef Meatball Soup
A beloved Indonesian street food, Bakso features tender, bouncy beef meatballs simmered in a fragrant, savory broth, typically served with noodles and a sprinkle of fried shallots. This recipe focuses on achieving that signature chewy texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef(Preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor and texture.)
- 100 g Ice cubes(Crucial for keeping the meat mixture cold during processing, which helps achieve a chewy texture.)
- 100 g Tapioca flour (or sago starch)(This is the key ingredient for the characteristic bouncy texture of bakso.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely grated.)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon White pepper
- 1.5 L Beef broth(High-quality store-bought or homemade.)
- 300 g Noodles(Such as rice vermicelli, egg noodles, or glass noodles (bihun), prepared according to package directions.)
- for topping Fried shallots(For garnish.)
- to taste Optional garnishes(Such as chopped scallions, cilantro, chili sauce (sambal), and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a food processor, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, salt, and white pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced. With the processor running, gradually add the ice cubes, a few at a time, until the mixture becomes a smooth, sticky paste. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. The cold temperature and smooth texture are essential for bouncy meatballs.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Incorporate Tapioca Flour: Add the tapioca flour to the food processor with the beef mixture. Process until just combined and the mixture is homogenous. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Form the Meatballs: Lightly wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Alternatively, you can use two spoons to shape them.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Cook the Meatballs: Bring the beef broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot over medium heat. Do not boil vigorously. Carefully drop the formed meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook until the meatballs float to the surface and are cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. They should feel firm to the touch. Remove the cooked meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Prepare Noodles and Broth: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your chosen noodles according to their package instructions. In a separate pot, reheat the beef broth if necessary, ensuring it's hot but not boiling. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce to the broth for extra flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Assemble and Serve: Divide the prepared noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot beef broth over the noodles. Add several cooked bakso meatballs to each bowl. Garnish generously with fried shallots and any optional garnishes like chopped scallions, cilantro, sambal, or kecap manis.
⏱️ 3 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the bounciest texture, ensure the meat mixture stays very cold throughout the process. Use ice water to wet your hands when forming the balls.
- ✓The key to tender and chewy bakso is not overworking the meat mixture after adding the tapioca flour.
- ✓Taste the broth and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or a touch of MSG if desired) before serving.
- ✓Serve hot with condiments like sambal (chili paste) and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) for an authentic street food experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add boiled eggs or tofu puffs to the soup for extra substance.
- Incorporate other types of meatballs, such as chicken or shrimp, for a mixed bakso.
- Vary the size of the meatballs from small bite-sized pieces to larger ones.