Beef Rendang is a rich and aromatic Indonesian coconut curry that has won hearts worldwide for its deep, complex flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Traditionally slow-cooked for hours, this dish features tender beef simmered in a fragrant mixture of coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a thick, caramelized, and intensely flavorful curry. The dish is celebrated for its layers of taste—spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Beef Rendang because it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying, aromatic dish that feels luxurious yet comforting. The combination of coconut milk, spices, and slow-cooked beef creates a harmony of flavors that is hard to resist.

The beef becomes tender enough to fall apart while absorbing every note of the spices. Making Rendang is also a culinary adventure—it’s a labor of love that rewards patience with an extraordinary depth of flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try for anyone interested in authentic Indonesian cuisine or rich, slow-cooked curries. Rendang is a celebration of spices and coconut milk, showcasing the balance of heat, sweetness, and earthiness.

It is versatile—perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or impressing guests with its impressive aroma and flavor.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cooking Time 2.5 to 3 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories Approximately 450–500 calories per serving
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indonesian

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 turmeric leaves (optional)
• 2 teaspoons tamarind paste (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar

Spice Paste

• 6 shallots, peeled
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
• 2-inch piece of fresh galangal
• 5 dried red chilies, soaked in warm water
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Spice Paste

• Blend shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, soaked chilies, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper into a smooth paste using a food processor or blender. Add a little water if needed.

2. Brown the Beef

• Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook Spice Paste

• In the same pot, add the spice paste and sauté for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Liquid and Aromatics

• Return beef to the pot.
• Add coconut milk, beef broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer Slowly

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce is thickened and caramelized.

6. Adjust Seasoning

• Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed. Remove lemongrass and lime leaves before serving.

7. Serve

• Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice. Garnish with fried shallots or fresh herbs if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Blend Spice Paste: Combine shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, chilies, and spices in a blender until smooth.
2. Sear Beef: Brown beef cubes in oil in a heavy pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Paste: Cook spice paste for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Liquid & Aromatics: Return beef to pot and add coconut milk, broth, lemongrass, lime leaves, turmeric leaves, tamarind, sugar, and salt.
5. Simmer Slowly: Cover partially and cook on low for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust flavors. Remove aromatics.
7. Serve: Pair with rice and optional garnish.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve hot with steamed jasmine or coconut rice.
• Accompany with lightly sautéed vegetables or cucumber slices for freshness.
• Garnish with fried shallots, fresh cilantro, or Thai basil for added aroma.

Recipe Tips

• Use beef chuck for tenderness; avoid lean cuts as they can dry out.
• Cook low and slow to develop deep flavors and tender meat.
• Blend spice paste until smooth for even cooking and maximum flavor.
• Adjust chili quantity according to desired heat level.
• Coconut milk can be full-fat for richness or light for a lighter version.

Variations

Chicken Rendang

• Substitute beef with bone-in chicken thighs. Reduce cooking time to 1–1.5 hours.

Vegetarian Rendang

• Use firm tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit instead of beef. Cook until sauce is thick and flavors are absorbed.

Spicy Rendang

• Increase dried chilies or add fresh bird’s eye chilies for more heat.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on low heat.

Special Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for slow cooking
• Blender or food processor for spice paste
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board for chopping aromatics

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Rendang tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, canned coconut milk is ideal; shake well before use.

Is Beef Rendang spicy?
It depends on your chili choice. Adjust the amount of dried chilies to control heat.

Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 40–50 minutes and then reduce sauce on sauté mode to thicken.

What can I serve with Rendang?
Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or flatbreads like roti make excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Beef Rendang is a luxurious, aromatic Indonesian curry that combines tender beef with a rich, spiced coconut sauce. Its depth of flavor, slow-cooked tenderness, and complex spices make it a must-try for any lover of international cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience that is both comforting and exotic.