Beef Tinaktak (Chamorro Coconut Beef with Green Beans)
Beef Tinaktak is a cherished Chamorro dish from Guam where beef is traditionally chopped in a distinctive "tak-tak-tak" rhythm, then simmered with fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes in creamy coconut milk. This one-pot comfort food exemplifies Guam's multicultural heritage, blending Filipino-inspired coconut milk cooking techniques with Spanish colonial influences and local Pacific ingredients. Named for its characteristic chopping sound, Tinaktak delivers a sophisticated balance of flavors - rich coconut creaminess, bright tomato acidity, tender meat, and crisp vegetables - making it a beloved staple of Guamanian home cooking.
Equipment
- Large wok or deep skillet (kawali) for even heat distribution and stir-frying
- Sharp chef's knife (kutsilyo) for chopping meat and vegetables
- Heavy-duty cutting board (sangkalan) for the traditional "tak-tak-tak" chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons (Panukat) for precise measurements
- Wooden spoon (sandok) for stirring without scratching the pan
- Garlic press (optional) for mincing garlic efficiently
Ingredients
For the Meat Base
- 800 g rib eye rump steak, or sirloin (karne)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil langis ng niyog
- 6 cloves garlic minced (bawang)
- 1 white onion finely chopped (sibuyas)
- ½ thumb-sized ginger minced (luya)
For the Sauce
- 400 ml coconut milk gata
- 300 g green beans trimmed and sliced (sitaw)
- 250 g cherry tomatoes halved (kamatis)
- 2 red chilies finely chopped (siling labuyo)
- Juice from half lemon kalamansi can be substituted
- Fish sauce to taste patis
- Freshly ground black pepper paminta
For Garnish
- Fresh cilantro/coriander wansoy
- Reserved cherry tomatoes
- Sliced green onions optional
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking of the meat.
- Roughly chop your beef into small pieces - aim for about ¼ inch size but don't worry about making them perfect. The different sizes add nice texture to the dish. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help it brown better.
- Get your wok or deep pan really hot - heat your coconut oil until you see the first wisps of smoke. Add the beef in a single layer and let it brown for 3-4 minutes on each side at high heat (200°C/400°F). Don't stir it around - letting it sit creates a nice crust.
- Turn the heat down to medium-high. Toss in your onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes until you can really smell the aromatics and the onions turn clear. As you stir, break up any larger pieces of meat.
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in your coconut milk. Add most of your cherry tomatoes (save some pretty ones for garnish). Let this come to a gentle bubble, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. You'll see the sauce start to thicken.
- Add your green beans and let everything cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the beans to stay crisp but turn bright green. Season with fish sauce, black pepper, and a good squeeze of lemon juice.
- Turn off the heat and let everything rest for 5 minutes - this lets all the flavors come together nicely. Taste and add more fish sauce or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve in bowls over hot rice, topped with your saved tomatoes and fresh cilantro. The sauce should be creamy but still loose enough to soak into your rice.
- Remember: if your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of warm water. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. The perfect Tinaktak sauce should coat the back of your spoon but still flow easily.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- Choose meat with some fat marbling for better flavor
- Don't skip the browning step - it develops essential flavors
- If sauce is too thick, add warm water gradually
- Taste before adding fish sauce as saltiness levels vary
- Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice (kanin)
- Pair with achara (pickled green papaya) for contrast
- Offer additional fish sauce and chili on the side
- Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving
Troubleshooting
- Too Watery: Simmer uncovered until reduced
- Too Thick: Add warm water or coconut milk
- Tough Meat: Cut pieces smaller next time
- Too Spicy: Add more coconut milk to mellow heat
- Bland: Balance with additional fish sauce and lemon juice
Ingredient Alternatives
- Meat: Ground beef (80/20 fat content)
- Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk + 1 tablespoon coconut cream
- Green Beans: Long beans or snap peas
- Cherry Tomatoes: Regular tomatoes, diced
- Fresh Chilies: Chili flakes or sauce
- Lemon: Kalamansi or lime
- Fish Sauce: Soy sauce + pinch of salt
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (sauce may separate)
- Reheating: Stovetop over medium heat, adding water if needed
- Microwave: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
Variations
- Spicy Version: Double chilies, add sambal
- Vegetable-Heavy: Add eggplant, bell peppers
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice
- Modern: Use ground beef for quicker prep
- Seafood: Substitute with shrimp or fish
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, flavors improve overnight
- Is it freezer-friendly?
- Yes, freeze without garnishes
- Can I use lean beef?
- Yes, but sauce may be less rich
- Is this dish spicy?
- Moderately, adjust chilies to taste
- Can I use canned coconut milk?
- Yes, full-fat recommended
Nutrition
Calories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 781mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 712IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 5mg
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