Chef John's Authentic Beef Rendang Recipe

Chef John's Beef Rendang is a rich and flavorful Indonesian-inspired dish that's perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your own cravings. This slow-cooked beef curry is made with a tantalizing blend of spices and coconut milk, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish with a sauce that's thick and bursting with exotic flavors. With a total preparing time of 3 hours, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering and deeply satisfying meal. Enjoy the taste of Indonesia with this traditional Beef Rendang recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 3 lemongrass stalks, outer layers removed, bruised and tied into a knot
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp, soaked in 1/4 cup water
• 1 can (14-ounce) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant and golden brown.
2. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cardamom pods. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
3. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in tamarind water, coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve the beef rendang hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

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