Beef Rendang
This recipe for Beef Rendang is the ultimate in authentic Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. The spicy, rich and creamy beef stew is made with a combination of beef, spices, and coconut milk, creating a flavour that will leave you wanting more. This recipe serves four people, and it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients: • 1 1/2 lbs. (0.6 kg) boneless beef short ribs, cut into cubes • 5 tablespoons cooking oil • 1 stick of cinnamon (about 2 inches in length) • 3 cloves • 3 star anise • 3 cardamom pods • 1 lemongrass stalk, cut into a 4-inch length and pounded • 1 cup of thick coconut milk or coconut cream • 1 cup of water • 2 teaspoons of tamarind pulp soaked in warm water for the juice (discard the seeds) • 6 kaffir lime leaves, very finely sliced • 6 tablespoons of kerisik (toasted coconut) • 1 tablespoon of sugar or palm sugar (to taste) • Salt (to taste)
Spice Paste: • 5 shallots • 1-inch piece of galangal • 3 white parts of lemongrass • 5 cloves of garlic • 1-inch piece of ginger • 10-12 dried chilies, soaked in warm water and seeded
Directions:
Begin by chopping the spice paste ingredients and then blending them in a food processor until they are fine.
Heat the oil in a stew pot, add the spice paste, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom, and stir-fry until aromatic. Add the beef and pounded lemongrass, and stir for 1 minute.
Add the coconut milk, tamarind juice, water, and simmer on medium heat, stirring frequently until the meat is almost cooked.
Add the kaffir lime leaves, kerisik (toasted coconut), sugar or palm sugar, and stir to blend well with the meat.
Lower the heat to low, cover the lid, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender, and the gravy has dried up. Add more salt and sugar to taste.
Serve immediately with steamed rice, and save some for overnight.
To prepare the kerisik or toasted coconut, add the grated coconut to a dry wok and stir continuously until it turns golden brown. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling satisfied with the delicious flavour of Beef Rendang.