Rendang
Indonesian slow-cooked beef curry in rich coconut and spice paste. Dry, complex, and incredible.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs Beef chuck
- •2 cans Coconut milk
- •1 can Coconut cream
- •4 tbsp Rendang paste
- •3 stalks Lemongrass
- •2 inches Galangal
- •6 pieces Kaffir lime leaves
- •2 medium Onion
- •8 cloves Garlic
- •3 inches Ginger
- •1 tbsp Turmeric
- •2 tbsp Palm sugar
Instructions
- 1
Fry rendang paste in coconut cream until oil separates
💡 10 minutes
- 2
Cut beef into 2-inch cubes, removing excess fat. Season with salt and turmeric. Set aside while preparing the spice paste.
💡 Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites - each piece should have some fat for moisture.
- 3
Add coconut milk lemongrass galangal lime leaves
💡 Bring to simmer
- 4
Cook on low 2-3 hours stirring occasionally
💡 Low heat tender
- 5
Add turmeric palm sugar
💡 Work methodically. Attention to detail separates home cooking from restaurant quality.
- 6
Continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce has reduced to a thick, dark paste that coats the beef beautifully.
💡 The dark color indicates proper caramelization - this is rendang, not curry. Patience is key.
- 7
Season to taste Cook low and slow until sauce thickens and meat is tender.
💡 Taste at every stage. Seasoning develops as food cooks.
- 8
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh herbs or appropriate accompaniments as desired.
💡 Fresh herbs add brightness and visual appeal - presentation matters as much as flavor.