Beef Rendang, A Malaysian Classic

User Reviews

5

22 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    3 hrs 30 mins

  • Total Time

    3 hrs 45 mins

  • Servings

    12 servings

  • Calories

    512 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Malaysian

Beef Rendang, A Malaysian Classic

Beef Rendang is a rich Malaysian slow-cooked beef dish featuring a complex spice paste made from cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, and red chilies. The beef simmers in coconut milk with aromatics like lemongrass, cinnamon, star anise, and kaffir lime leaves until tender and coated in a thick, dark sauce with a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Description

This recipe starts by blending a paste of warm spices and aromatics, which is sautéed in cooking oil to develop fragrant depth. Beef chuck or brisket is browned in the paste, then combined with coconut milk, beef broth, and whole spices such as lemongrass, cinnamon, and star anise to create a rich cooking liquid.

The dish simmers uncovered for several hours, allowing the coconut milk to reduce and thicken into a glossy, intensely flavored sauce while tenderizing the meat. Kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, and brown sugar added towards the end balance the taste with bright and sweet notes, and toasted coconut flakes can add texture if used.

Beef Rendang is typically served as a main course and pairs well with steamed rice. Its complex layers of spice and creamy sauce make it a celebratory dish in Malaysian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 clove smashed into a powder, whole
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons Turmeric
  • 12 shallot or 1 large onion
  • 6 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • ginger peeled and roughly chopped, 3 inch piece
  • galangal peeled and roughly chopped, 3 inch piece
  • 6 red chili peppers stemmed
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 4 lb. beef chuck cut into 2" pieces, or brisket, boneless
  • 1 talk lemongrass (trimmed and crushed with the back of your knife)
  • 2 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 cans coconut milk about 27 fl. ounces; 800 ml, unsweetened
  • 1 cup beef broth (235 ml)
  • salt (to taste)
  • 8 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes optional, toasted, unsweetened

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, add the powdered cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, shallot/onion, garlic, ginger, galangal, and chilies and blend until smooth. Heat a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat and add the oil along with the mixture you just pureed. Cook for about 3 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add the beef to the pot and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the lemongrass, cinnamon sticks, star anise, coconut milk, beef broth, and salt, to taste. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add the lime leaves, lime juice, brown sugar, and coconut flakes (if using) and stir. Simmer for another 2 hours, until the sauce is thick and dark, and the meat is very tender. Taste for seasoning and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to taste. Remove the lemon grass, lime leaves, and whole spices, and serve!

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 512kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 24g (120%) Cholesterol 104mg (35%) Sodium 312mg (13%) Potassium 894mg (19%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 235IU (5%) Vitamin C 37.2mg (41%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 5.3mg (29%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 512 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 512kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Sodium 312mg 13%
Potassium 894mg 19%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 235IU 5%
Vitamin C 37.2mg 41%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 5.3mg 29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

22 reviews
Excellent

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