Traditional Javanese Rawon Recipe: How to Make the Black Beef Soup

Rawon is a traditional beef soup from East Java, Indonesia, known for its dark, rich color and distinctive flavor. The black color comes from keluak (black nuts), which also give Rawon its unique earthy and slightly nutty taste. This dish is often enjoyed with rice, bean sprouts, salted egg, and sambal for a complete Javanese meal.

Rawon, Javanese Food

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

500 grams of beef (preferably brisket or shank), cut into cubes

2 liters of water

2 tablespoons cooking oil

2 stalks lemongrass, bruised

4 kaffir lime leaves

3 bay leaves

Salt and sugar to taste

Bean sprouts (for serving)

Steamed rice (for serving)

Spice Paste:

4 keluak nuts (only the soft inner part)

6 shallots

4 cloves garlic

3 candlenuts

2 teaspoons coriander seeds

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon galangal

A pinch of ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Spice Paste

Blend all the spice paste ingredients together using a food processor or mortar and pestle until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Beef

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the beef cubes and boil until the meat becomes tender. Remove any foam or impurities from the surface. Set the beef aside, but keep the broth.

Sauté the Spices

Heat oil in a pan, then sauté the spice paste over medium heat until fragrant. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Continue stirring for a few minutes.

Combine and Simmer

Add the sautéed spice mixture into the pot of beef broth. Return the beef cubes into the broth. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the flavors are well blended.

Serving

Serve the Rawon hot with a portion of steamed rice, fresh bean sprouts, salted egg, fried shallots, and sambal on the side for extra spiciness.

Conclusion

Rawon is more than just a soup—it's a taste of Javanese culture in a bowl. Its rich and deep flavors make it one of the most beloved dishes in Indonesia. Try making Rawon at home and enjoy this traditional black beef soup with your loved ones.