Authentic Indonesian Rendang Sapi: Rich & Tender Beef Stew

Rendang Sapi: A Savory Indonesian Beef Delight

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Rendang Sapi, a classic Indonesian beef dish known for its deep, savory taste and tender meat. This dish requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is a deeply satisfying and flavorful stew that’s worth every moment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this traditional delicacy.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams (1/2 kg) beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 whole coconut
• 4 stalks lemongrass (sereh)
• 4 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 5 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 sachet black pepper powder
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 sachet beef flavor seasoning (such as Masako)

For the Spice Paste:

• 15 shallots (bawang merah)
• 8 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 5 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 2 inches galangal (laos)
• 2 inches ginger (jahe)
• 1 whole nutmeg (pala)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Briefly boil the beef pieces to remove excess blood and impurities. Once boiled, drain and cut the beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

2. Extract Coconut Milk:

   • Grate the whole coconut and extract the coconut milk by squeezing it through a cheesecloth or fine strainer. You should obtain approximately 1.5 liters of coconut milk.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend or grind together the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, galangal, ginger, and nutmeg until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the lemongrass, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and black pepper powder. Continue to sauté until the aroma is fully developed.

5. Simmer the Rendang:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the oil starts to separate from the coconut milk. This can take some time, so be patient.

6. Season the Dish:

   • Once the oil begins to separate, add salt, sugar, and beef flavor seasoning. Stir well and let it cook until the coconut milk reduces by half.

7. Add the Beef:

   • Introduce the beef pieces into the pot. Stir to coat the beef with the rich, aromatic sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the beef becomes tender. This process can take several hours, so ensure to cook on low heat and be patient.

8. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the rendang and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the beef is fully tender.

9. Serve:

   • Once ready, serve your Rendang Sapi hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors that have developed through the slow cooking process.

Tip: Rendang Sapi is best enjoyed with some patience, as the slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become exceptionally tender. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a hearty meal that can be savored over several days.

With its rich and complex flavor profile, Rendang Sapi is sure to impress and satisfy. Happy cooking!