Beef rendang is a popular and beloved dish in Malaysia. It is a rich and tender coconut beef stew that is explosively flavorful. In this article, we will explore the secret ingredients that make it so delicious, and how to make the best and most authentic beef rendang at home.
What Is Rendang?
Rendang is a traditional slow-cooked stew that is characterized by its rich and complex flavors. Beef rendang, in particular, is the most famous and widely enjoyed rendang variation.
The dish is made by simmering beef with a blend of spices and coconut milk until the sauce is thick and the meat is tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a dish that is incredibly aromatic and flavorful.
Other Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of beef rendang, you might also want to try other rendang variations. Chicken rendang and lamb rendang are equally delicious and offer a different taste experience. These rendang variations can be enjoyed with rice or alongside other traditional Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak.
Choosing the Right Beef
To achieve tender and melt-in-your-mouth beef rendang, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef. I recommend using boneless beef short ribs or stew beef. These cuts are well-suited for slow cooking and will result in tender meat that easily absorbs the flavors of the rendang sauce.
Before cooking, it’s important to cut the beef into small pieces. This ensures that each chunk of beef is tender and infused with the aromatic rendang curry paste. Cutting the beef into smaller pieces also helps with the overall texture and mouthfeel of the dish.
The Secret Ingredient of Rendang Sauce
One of the key elements that sets rendang apart from other dishes is the use of toasted coconut, also known as “kerisik.” Kerisik is made by toasting grated coconut until golden brown. It adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the rendang sauce, giving it a unique and distinctive taste.
To make kerisik, simply add grated coconut to a dry wok or pan and stir continuously until it turns golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as it can burn easily. Once toasted, let it cool before using it in your rendang recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless beef short ribs, cut into cubes
- 5 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 stick cinnamon (about 2-inch length)
- 3 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1 lemongrass (cut into 4-inch length and pounded)
- 1 cup thick coconut milk (coconut cream)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons tamarind pulp (soaked in some warm water for the juice, discard the seeds)
- 6 kaffir lime leaves (very finely sliced)
- 6 tablespoons kerisik (toasted coconut)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or palm sugar, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Spice Paste Ingredients
- 5 shallots
- 1 inch galangal
- 3 lemongrass (white part only)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 10-12 dried chilies (soaked in warm water and seeded)
Cooking the Best and Most Authentic Rendang
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to cook the best and most authentic beef rendang. Follow these steps to achieve a truly delicious rendang:
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste
Start by preparing the spice paste. Chop the shallots, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and soaked dried chilies. Then, blend all the spice paste ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Spice Paste
Heat cooking oil in a stew pot and add the spice paste, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom. Stir-fry until the mixture becomes aromatic.
Step 3: Add the Beef
Add the beef and pounded lemongrass to the pot and stir for a minute until the beef is coated with the spice paste.
Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk
Pour in the thick coconut milk and water. Simmer the beef on medium heat, stirring frequently until the meat is almost cooked. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 5: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Add the tamarind juice, kaffir lime leaves, and kerisik (toasted coconut). Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Slow Cook the Rendang
Lower the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the rendang and add sugar or palm sugar and salt to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is crucial in rendang.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rendang is cooked to perfection, serve it immediately with steamed rice or your favorite accompaniments. The flavors will deepen and intensify the longer it sits, so it’s even more delicious the next day.
How Many Calories per Serving?
If you’re conscious of your calorie intake, you’ll be pleased to know that this beef rendang recipe is relatively moderate in calories. Each serving contains approximately 416 calories. However, do keep in mind that this is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
What to Serve with Beef Rendang
Beef rendang is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the rich and spicy flavors of the dish. The fragrant coconut rice known as “nasi lemak” is also a popular choice to accompany rendang.
If you’re looking to add more variety to your meal, consider serving beef rendang with other side dishes such as roti jala, chicken satay, nasi lemak, or veggie mee goreng (fried noodles). These dishes complement the flavors of the rendang and create a well-rounded Malaysian feast
Tips and Variations
- For an extra punch of flavor, you can add a few slices of fresh turmeric root to the spice paste. Turmeric leaves can also be used as a garnish.
- If you prefer a spicier rendang, you can increase the number of dried chilies or add some fresh red chilies to the spice paste.
- To make the rendang extra creamy, you can add a bit more thick coconut milk or coconut cream.
- If you don’t have access to kerisik, you can substitute it with desiccated coconut. Simply toast the desiccated coconut until golden brown and use it as a replacement.
Conclusion
Beef rendang is a dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of Malaysian. By following this recipe, you can create the best and most authentic rendang right in your own kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, resulting in tender beef infused with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Serve it with steamed rice or other traditional Malaysian accompaniments for a truly satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of beef rendang for yourself!