Spicy Beef Rendang

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Spicy Beef Rendang

Introduction

Spicy Beef Rendang is a beloved Indonesian dish known for its rich flavors and tender meat. This slow-cooked beef stew is packed with spices and coconut milk, making it a delightful treat for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals. Originating from the Minangkabau ethnic group in Indonesia, this dish embodies the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Spicy Beef Rendang is a great choice if you want to impress your family or friends with a delicious and aromatic dish. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. The slow-cooked beef absorbs all the wonderful spices, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

How to Make Spicy Beef Rendang

Creating this flavorful dish at home is easier than you might think. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Ingredients

6 shallots, peeled
4 cloves garlic
3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1-inch piece of fresh galangal (or substitute with more ginger)
1 stalk lemongrass, white part only
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
2 turmeric leaves, tied in a knot (optional)
2 tbsp tamarind paste (or 1 tbsp lime juice)
2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
2 tbsp cooking oil
Salt to taste

Directions

Make the spice paste: In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, chilies, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Blend until smooth, adding a drizzle of oil or water if needed to reach a silky texture.
Sauté the paste: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Toss in the spice paste and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
Cook the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot, stirring well to coat them in the spicy goodness. Allow the meat to cook for about 5 minutes, just enough to brown lightly.
Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, water, torn kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves (if using), tamarind paste, sugar, cinnamon stick, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Slow cook: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and the beef turns tender. Be sure to stir more frequently toward the end to avoid sticking.
Finish: Keep cooking until the sauce becomes dark and dry, and the oil starts to separate. The beef should look beautifully caramelized and well-coated in the rich spice mix.
Serve: Dish it out hot with a side of steamed rice and your favorite vegetables!

How to Serve Spicy Beef Rendang

Serve your Spicy Beef Rendang hot, alongside fluffy steamed rice. You can also add a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Store Spicy Beef Rendang

Leftover Spicy Beef Rendang can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Tips to Make Spicy Beef Rendang

For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in the spice paste for a few hours before cooking.
Adjust the number of chilies based on your preferred spice level.
Stir the dish frequently in the last hour of cooking to prevent sticking to the pot.

Variation

You can make a chicken version of Beef Rendang by substituting beef with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just reduce the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster than beef.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can! After sautéing the spice paste in a pan, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of Rendang?
Yes! You can use jackfruit, tofu, or tempeh as a meat substitute, and follow the same recipe.

3. How spicy is Spicy Beef Rendang?
The spiciness can vary depending on the type and amount of chilies used. You can always adjust it to your taste preferences!

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