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Delicious Beef Rendang served with rice on a plate

Beef Rendang

A rich and aromatic Indonesian classic, Beef Rendang features tender beef simmered in a flavorful coconut sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indonesian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless beef short ribs, cut into juicy cubes
  • 5 tablespoons cooking oil for sautéing
  • 1 stick cinnamon about 2-inch length
  • 3 pieces star anise for a hint of licorice
  • 3 pods cardamom fragrant and complex
  • 1 piece lemongrass, cut into 4-inch length and pounded adds freshness
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk creamy and rich
  • 1 cup water for balance
  • 2 teaspoons tamarind pulp soaked in warm water for tanginess
  • 6 leaves kaffir lime, finely sliced elevates freshness
  • 6 tablespoons kerisik toasted coconut for depth
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or palm sugar to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • 5 pieces shallots sweet and aromatic
  • 1 inch galangal for earthy undertones
  • 3 pieces lemongrass, white part only intensifying flavor
  • 5 cloves garlic pungent and full of character
  • 1 inch ginger zesty and warm
  • 10-12 pieces dried chilies soaked in warm water and seeded

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Chop the shallots, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and soaked dried chilies.
  2. Place these ingredients in a food processor and blend until you achieve a fine paste.
Cooking
  1. Heat the cooking oil in a sturdy stew pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the spice paste, stick of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods. Stir-fry for a few minutes until it releases its aromas.
  3. Add the beef cubes and the pounded lemongrass, stir for about a minute.
  4. Pour in the thick coconut milk, tamarind juice, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook until the beef is nearly tender, about an hour, stirring frequently.
  6. Incorporate the finely sliced kaffir lime leaves and kerisik, then add sugar.
  7. Lower the heat and let it simmer, covered, for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours.
  8. Taste-test and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar as necessary.
Serving
  1. Serve your Beef Rendang with steaming hot rice.

Notes

Make the Beef Rendang a day in advance for best results. Adjust spiciness according to preference; a touch of lime juice can elevate the dish.