Authentic Indonesian Beef Rendang (My Mother’s Recipe)

Traditional Indonesian Beef Rendang (Recipe from My Late Mother)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg beef, cut into pieces
• Spice Paste:
  • 5 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 4 red Tanjung chilies
  • 1 nutmeg seed
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tomato
• 1 sachet Indofood Rendang spice mix
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 segments galangal, sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 sachet (65 ml) Kara coconut milk
• 1 sachet sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1000 ml water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• Beef flavor seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into pieces according to your preference. Wrap the beef pieces in papaya leaves and let them marinate for about 1 hour. This step helps tenderize the meat.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, nutmeg, candlenuts, black peppercorns, and tomato into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the spice paste along with the Indofood Rendang spice mix. Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and bruised lemongrass. Cook until fragrant.

4. Brown the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the pot and cook until they change color and are evenly coated with the spices.

5. Simmer: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the water is reduced by half and the beef is tender.

6. Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings: When the liquid has reduced by half, stir in the Kara coconut milk and sweet soy sauce. Season with salt, sugar, and beef flavoring if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

7. Finish Cooking: Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened and the oil begins to separate from the rendang. This usually takes some time, so be patient.

8. Serve: Once the rendang has reached the desired consistency, it is ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Indonesian beef rendang with steamed rice.

This rich and savory dish, passed down from my late mother, captures the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors and is perfect for a special meal or gathering.