Beef Rendang Recipe

Beef Rendang is a slow-cooked, dry curry that originates from Indonesia, particularly Sumatra, and is widely enjoyed in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Mar 24, 2025 - 14:49
5
Beef Rendang Recipe
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 180 min
Serving 6
Difficulty Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef (cut into medium-sized chunks)
  • 2 cups thick coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves (optional, for extra fragrance)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste (mixed with ¼ cup water)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (palm sugar preferred)
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • 6 shallots (or 1 large onion)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2-inch piece of ginger
  • 2-inch piece of galangal (or extra ginger if unavailable)
  • 3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste

  1. Blend shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, chilies, and spices into a fine paste.

  2. Add a little water or oil if needed to make blending easier.

Step 2: Sauté the Spice Paste

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, cinnamon stick, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the paste is aromatic and slightly browned.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

  1. Add the beef chunks to the pan and coat them well with the spice paste. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned.

Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk

  1. Pour in the coconut milk, tamarind paste, sugar, and salt.

  2. Add 1 cup of water to prevent the mixture from drying out too quickly.

  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Rendang

  1. Let the beef simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

  2. The sauce will thicken and darken as the coconut milk reduces.

  3. Continue cooking until the beef is tender and the sauce coats the meat in a thick, caramelized layer.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Once the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.

  2. Garnish with fried shallots or fresh coriander.

  3. Serve with steamed rice, ketupat (rice cakes), or roti.