Tukir

Name: Tukir
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 100 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Timorese
Ingredients: 1kg beef chuck, cubed; 400ml coconut milk; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised; 3cm fresh turmeric, grated; 3cm ginger, sliced; 4 shallots, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 red chilies, sliced; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1 tsp coriander seeds; Salt to taste; 200ml water

Tukir (too-KEER)

Braised Beef with Coconut

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 524 kcal

Tender chunks of beef slow-braised in rich coconut milk with turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and chili, producing a deeply aromatic golden stew that is central to Timorese celebrations.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 38.0g

Carbs 12.0g

Fat 36.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

heavy pot or Dutch oven wooden spoon mortar and pestle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large communal clay bowl

Garnishes: sliced red chili, fried shallots

Accompaniments: steamed white rice, sauteed greens

Ingredients

1kg beef chuck, cubed
400ml coconut milk
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
3cm fresh turmeric, grated
3cm ginger, sliced
4 shallots, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 red chilies, sliced
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp coriander seeds
Salt to taste
200ml water

Instructions

1
Pound coriander seeds, turmeric, and ginger in a mortar to form a rough paste.
2
Heat coconut oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Fry shallots and garlic until fragrant and golden, about three minutes.
3
Add the spice paste and lemongrass, stirring for two minutes until very aromatic.
4
Add beef cubes and sear on all sides for five minutes, coating each piece with the spice mixture.
5
Pour in coconut milk and water. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low and cover.
6
Simmer for ninety minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened to a rich golden gravy.

💡

Did You Know?

Tukir is considered the most important ceremonial dish in East Timor and no wedding feast is complete without it.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy pot or Dutch oven
wooden spoon
mortar and pestle

Garnishing

sliced red chili, fried shallots

Accompaniments

steamed white rice, sauteed greens

The Story Behind Tukir

Tukir represents the heart of Timorese ceremonial cuisine, a dish that has been prepared for centuries to mark the most significant moments in community life. The slow braising of beef in coconut milk reflects the patience and communal effort central to Timorese culture. During Portuguese colonial rule, tukir remained a distinctly local dish that resisted outside influence, making it a powerful symbol of cultural identity during the independence struggle.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed weddings, funerals, and major community feasts 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial Timorese

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