The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Beef Rendang: a Flavor Bomb from West Sumatra
- What is Beef Rendang?
- Why You'll Obsess Over This Beef Rendang Recipe
- Ingredients & Equipment for Beef Rendang Brilliance
- Cracking the Rendang Code: Prep Like a Pro
- Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Beef Rendang
- Rendang Revelation: Pro Tips & Tricks
- Recipe Notes: Nailing that Rendang Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, gather 'round, foodies! ever dreamt of a dish that's rich, complex, and utterly unforgettable? let me introduce you to the king of indonesian curries: beef rendang .
Honestly, this slow cooked marvel will blow your socks off.
What is Beef Rendang?
Beef rendang is an iconic dish from west sumatra. it's a beef curry recipe , slow cooked in coconut milk and a symphony of spices.
This indonesian recipe requires time and patience. but trust me, the reward is so worth it! expect a meal for 6-8 people.
You can share this delight with friends or family.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Beef Rendang Recipe
This beef rendang isn't just another beef curry . it's a nutritional powerhouse too. the spices boast anti inflammatory properties. turmeric, ginger, and galangal work their magic, making this dish delicious and beneficial.
Beef rendang is perfect for a weekend feast. think cozy nights, shared laughter, and a flavour bomb that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
What makes it special? it's that depth of flavour. the hours of slow cooking meld the spices into something truly special.
Plus, it isn't like your everyday stroganoff beef or crockpot recipes beef stew . it stands alone in its richness.
Honestly, i remember the first time i tried making rendang. i was a bit intimidated by the ingredient list. so many spices! but once i got the hang of it, i was hooked.
Don't be afraid to get stuck in!. now, let’s dive into what you'll need to create this masterpiece. next up we get into the ingredient list.
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you'll need to nail this Beef Rendang recipe . Honestly, sourcing good ingredients is half the battle!
Ingredients & Equipment for Beef Rendang Brilliance
So, what makes indonesian cuisine like beef rendang so darn special? it's all about the layers of flavour, and that starts with using the right ingredients.
Let's break it down, shall we? this isn't just any beef curry recipe , this is the rendang recipe !
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!
Alright, for this Beef Rendang , you're gonna need:
Beef: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of beef chuck, cut into 1.5 inch cubes. now, quality matters here. look for a chuck roast with good marbling.
You know, those little streaks of fat? that's flavour, baby! alternatively, you could even use stroganoff beef in a pinch and modify the recipe.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Nothing fancy, just your standard cooking oil.
Spice Paste (Bumbu):
- Shallots: 10 , peeled (around 300g or 10.5 oz ). Don't skimp on these!
- Garlic: 8 cloves, peeled.
- Ginger: A 3 inch piece, peeled and roughly chopped.
- Galangal: A 3 inch piece (or more ginger if you can't find it), peeled and roughly chopped.
- Turmeric: A 2 inch piece, peeled and roughly chopped.
- Red Chilies: 6-8 , roughly chopped (deseed for less heat, unless you're a proper chilli head!).
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks, trimmed and roughly chopped (lower white part only).
- Coriander Seeds: 1 tbsp , toasted lightly. This adds a lovely warmth.
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp , toasted lightly.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 tsp .
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 tsp .
Coconut Milk & Aromatics:
- Full Fat Coconut Milk: 4 cups (950 ml) , divided. Full fat is key here; it makes all the difference. I use 2 cans!
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 2 , bruised. These smell absolutely divine.
- Bay Leaves: 2 .
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 .
- Tamarind Paste: 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp hot water. Or, if you're like me and always forget to buy tamarind, 2 tbsp of lemon juice works alright.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp .
- Salt: 2 tsp (or to taste).
Seasoning Notes: The Soul of Rendang
Okay, the spice paste, or bumbu , is where the magic happens. that blend of shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, turmeric, chilies, lemongrass, and spices? honestly, it's an absolute flavour explosion.
Don't be shy with it! if you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a pinch of star anise or a few cloves for extra depth.
Play around with it!
If you're ever short on time and can't find everything fresh, a good quality Indonesian spice blend can be a lifesaver, though I highly recommend making your own from scratch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
Right, you don't need a whole kitchen's worth of fancy gadgets for this Beef Rendang . All you really need is:
- Food Processor or Blender: To make that gorgeous spice paste. A stick blender could work too, but it might be a bit more effort.
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot with a Lid: This is essential for slow cooking the Beef Rendang to perfection. If you're a fan of Crockpot Recipes Beef Stew this would be a great candidate.
You know what? You might even be able to adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Might need less liquid. I'll have to try that next time.
Alright, let's talk beef rendang . honestly, this isn't your average tuesday night dinner. it's a labour of love. but oh my gosh , the flavour is incredible! i'm talking a rich, intense, coconutty flavor bomb from indonesia.
Cracking the Rendang Code: Prep Like a Pro
Essential Mise en Place for Rendang Glory
First things first, mise en place , darlings! get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob.
Chop those 10 shallots, 8 cloves garlic, peel that ginger, galangal and turmeric. roughly chop 6-8 red chilies. trim those 2 lemongrass stalks.
Lightly toast 1 tbsp coriander seeds, and 1 tsp cumin seeds. it's all about organization.
Turbo Charge Your Rendang Prep
Want to save some time? whizz all the spices for the bumbu in a food processor in advance. you can even make the spice paste a day ahead.
Just store it in the fridge. it gets even more flavourful!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Beef Rendang
This Rendang recipe is not for the faint hearted, but stick with me!
- Bumbu Blitz: In a food processor, combine all the spice paste ingredients. Blend until super smooth.
- Beef it Up: Sear 3 lbs of beef chuck cubes in a Dutch oven with 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium high heat until browned. Set aside.
- Spice Symphony: Sauté the spice paste in the same pot over medium heat for about 8- 10 minutes until fragrant. Don't burn it, mind!
- Simmer Time: Add the beef back to the pot. Pour in 3 cups coconut milk with 2 kaffir lime leaves, 2 bay leaves, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cover and cook for 2- 3 hours , until the beef is super tender.
- Reduce & Conquer: Remove the lid. Stir in 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tsp salt. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for another 1- 2 hours until the sauce is thick and caramelized. Add 1 cup of coconut milk and cook until it thickens.
- Taste the Magic: Adjust seasoning to taste.
Rendang Revelation: Pro Tips & Tricks
Honestly, the secret to amazing Beef Rendang is patience!
- Shortcut Alert: For a slightly quicker version, use a pressure cooker. But the slow simmering really does develop the best flavour. Some people have used Crockpot Recipes Beef Stew , but i have never tried.
- Common mistake: Rushing the caramelization stage. You want that deep, rich colour and flavour. Trust me!
- Make it ahead: Absolutely! Beef Rendang actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully.
The resulting rendang? forget boring stroganoff beef or basic beef curry . this is next level flavour. serve it with fluffy rice, and maybe some pickled veg to cut through the richness.
It's a real treat! you know?, indonesian cuisine is amazing.
If you are in the mood for Indonesian Recipes, you can try the Beef Curry Recipe
Alright, let's talk more about this absolutely blimming amazing Beef Rendang recipe . I'm practically drooling thinking about it. Honestly, a proper Beef Rendang is like a hug in a bowl, innit?
Recipe Notes: Nailing that Rendang Recipe
Right, so you've got the recipe down, but let's get into the nitty gritty. there are always little things that come up, you know? like, "oh my gosh, i've run out of that !" or "is this supposed to look like that ?".
Let's sort those out.
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Think about the presentation, yeah? a big ol' pile of beef rendang slapped on a plate is fine, but we can do better.
Serve it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, obviously. garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for texture and a bit of fancy.
For sides? a refreshing cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables (acar) cuts through the richness lovely . imagine that, it sounds delicious! don't forget your favourite beef curry recipe .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh (or Freezing it for Later!)
Leftovers? if you're lucky enough to have any! for the fridge, keep it in an airtight container. it'll last for about 3-4 days.
Reheating is easy just microwave it or gently warm it in a pan. now, freezing. this is where it gets really clever.
Beef rendang freezes brilliantly. just portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers. it'll keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and then gently reheat on the hob. just make sure it's piping hot, alright? this will also work very well for some crockpot recipes beef stew .
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Fancy a twist? one thing i've tried is making a chicken rendang recipe . substitute the beef with chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time.
It's a quicker weeknight version! if you are on a diet, use jackfruit or even mushrooms instead of beef. it will be a complete twist of a beef curry .
This can be great for exploring new indonesian recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Right, a little bit of the boring stuff, but important! a serving of this beef rendang is around 650-750 calories.
It's packed with protein, coming in at 40-50g, but it's also fairly high in fat (40-50g) because of the coconut milk.
You'll also get about 20-30g of carbs and a decent amount of fibre. i think this recipe would be great for people looking for amazing indonesian cuisine .
Honestly, this beef rendang is worth the effort. it's a taste sensation. get in the kitchen and give it a go.
I know you will smash it. don't forget a yummy stroganoff beef recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to really tender beef in beef rendang?
The key to melt-in-your mouth beef rendang is a low and slow cooking process. Using a tough cut of beef like chuck, brisket, or short ribs and simmering it for several hours in the coconut milk and spices allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef.
Think of it like slow cooking a Sunday roast - patience is key!
Can I make beef rendang in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the beef and sauté the spice paste as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender, then reduce the sauce on the stovetop.
For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and spice paste, then pressure cook on high for 45-60 minutes with natural pressure release. You'll still need to simmer to reduce and caramelize the sauce on the stovetop afterwards it’s like giving your beef rendang a supercharged boost!
Is there a way to make beef rendang less spicy? My family aren't all chili heads!
Of course! The heat in beef rendang comes from the chilies. To reduce the spice, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending them into the spice paste. Alternatively, you can start with a smaller amount of chilies and add more to taste at the end of cooking if needed.
You can always add heat, but you can't take it away, so best to be cautious like Mary Berry with the chili flakes!
How long does beef rendang last, and what's the best way to store it?
Beef rendang actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
It's a great make-ahead meal a real winner, winner, rendang dinner!
I can't find galangal or kaffir lime leaves! Are there any good substitutes for making beef rendang?
No worries! If you can't find galangal, you can use an equal amount of ginger as a substitute, though the flavor won't be quite as complex. For kaffir lime leaves, you can use the zest of one lime to get a similar citrusy aroma.
While these substitutions won't perfectly replicate the original flavor, they'll still allow you to create a delicious and authentic tasting beef rendang.
Is beef rendang healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
Beef rendang is a rich dish, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. It is a good source of protein from the beef and contains healthy fats from the coconut milk. However, it can also be high in calories and sodium.
Our estimated nutritional information is provided in the recipe: Calories: 650-750 per serving (estimated), Protein: 40-50g (estimated), Fat: 40-50g (estimated), Carbohydrates: 20-30g (estimated), Fiber: 5-7g (estimated), Sugar: 5-10g (estimated), Sodium: 800-1000mg (estimated).
Be mindful of portion sizes and consider serving it with plenty of vegetables to create a balanced meal.
The Ultimate Slow Cooked Beef Rendang A Flavor B
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
