Rendang Daging Sapi, a classic Indonesian dish hailing from West Sumatra, is renowned for its deep, aromatic flavors and tender, slow-cooked beef. This recipe guides you through preparing this delectable dish with a rich blend of spices and coconut milk, resulting in a savory, mouthwatering stew that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef (preferably chuck or brisket), cut into chunks
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 2 pieces galangal (about 1-inch each), bruised
- 2 small packets of Kara coconut milk
- 1 liter water
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 1 beef bouillon cube
For the Spice Paste:
- 8 shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 10 red chilies (or to taste)
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (or to taste)
- 1-inch piece of turmeric
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1/4 nutmeg
- 1 candlenut
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, candlenut, and black peppercorns in a food processor until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste, bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the water and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Season with salt, sugar, and the beef bouillon cube. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
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Cook the Beef: Add the beef chunks to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, uncovered, for several hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
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Finish and Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and reduced, adjust the seasoning one final time if needed. Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaves before serving.
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Serve: Enjoy your Rendang Daging Sapi with steamed rice or traditional Indonesian side dishes.
This traditional Rendang Daging Sapi recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Whether for a festive occasion or a comforting family dinner, this dish is a true culinary delight.