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Authentic Indonesian Beef Rendang Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef (cut into chunks)
- 2500 ml coconut milk (from 3 coconuts)
- 3 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
- 1 turmeric leaf (torn into pieces)
- 5 bay leaves
Spice Paste:
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250 g red chili peppers (large)
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To taste: bird’s eye chilies (optional)
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250 g shallots
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8 cloves garlic
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1 tsp cumin seeds
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1 tsp fennel seeds
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1 nutmeg (whole)
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5 cloves
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3 candlenuts
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4 tbsp coriander seeds
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 piece ginger (thumb-sized)
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1 piece turmeric (thumb-sized)
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1 piece galangal (thumb-sized)
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Salt, to taste
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Sugar, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef:
- Cut the beef into chunks and wash thoroughly. Set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Blend the red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies (if using), shallots, garlic, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, nutmeg, cloves, candlenuts, coriander seeds, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, and galangal into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Rendang:
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, combine the coconut milk, torn turmeric leaf, crushed lemongrass, and bay leaves. Add the spice paste and bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from curdling.
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Add the Beef:
- Once the mixture starts boiling, add the beef chunks. Stir to coat the beef with the coconut milk and spice paste mixture.
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Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Let the rendang simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef becomes tender. This may take several hours. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
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Finish Cooking:
- Continue to cook until the rendang is dry and the oil separates from the sauce. The beef should be well-coated with a rich, dark sauce.
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Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy the depth of flavors in this authentic Indonesian beef rendang!
Notes
- Cooking Time: Rendang is a dish that benefits from long, slow cooking, so allow ample time for the flavors to develop.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of bird’s eye chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Consistency: If the rendang becomes too dry, you can add a little more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy this classic Indonesian dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal. 🌟🍛