Delicious and Tender Beef Rendang Recipe, Perfect for Family Meals

Kapanlagi.com - Rendang is one of Indonesia's signature dishes that is famous even abroad. Meat cooked in rich spices with a slow process gives rendang a deep flavor and tender texture. It is no wonder that this dish often becomes a favorite menu during special moments, such as Eid or family gatherings.

However, to achieve a truly delicious and tender rendang, the right cooking technique is needed. Mistakes in choosing the type of meat, processing the spices, or cooking time can make the rendang too tough or insufficiently infused. Therefore, it is important to know the correct steps to ensure that the rendang produced has a tender texture and perfectly absorbed spices.

In this article, we will share a selected beef rendang recipe that is not only rich in flavor but also perfectly tender. With the right choice of ingredients and proper cooking methods, you can serve a mouth-watering rendang for your beloved family. Check out the complete recipe and try it yourself at home.

1. Beef Rendang Recipe

Rendang is one of Indonesia's traditional dishes known for its deliciousness and rich spices. To achieve a tender texture and perfectly infused spices, the right cooking technique is necessary. Here is a beef rendang recipe that you can try at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef (choose the brisket or thigh for better tenderness)
• 1 liter thick coconut milk from 2 coconuts
• 500 ml thin coconut milk
• 3 leaves of salam leaf
• 4 leaves of kaffir lime, remove the stems
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cm galangal, bruised
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp finely grated palm sugar
• 1 tsp ground pepper

Ground Spices:

• 8 shallots
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 5 candlenuts, toasted
• 2 cm turmeric, briefly roasted
• 3 cm ginger
• 3 cm galangal
• 5 large red chilies (to taste)
• 1 tsp ground coriander

Instructions:

1. Sauté the ground spices along with the salam leaf, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal until fragrant. Use low heat to ensure the spices cook perfectly and do not burn.
2. Add the beef pieces, stir until the spices are evenly distributed and the meat changes color. Let it sit for a while to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Pour in the thin coconut milk, cook over low heat while occasionally stirring to prevent the coconut milk from splitting.
4. Cook until the meat is tender, then add salt, palm sugar, and ground pepper.
5. Add the thick coconut milk, stir gently, and continue cooking until the sauce reduces and thickens. This process may take 3-4 hours to achieve a dry rendang texture and fully infused spices.
6. Remove and serve the tender and delicious beef rendang with warm rice.

2. Tips for Tender and Non-Chewy Beef Rendang

To ensure that rendang has a tender texture and the spices are perfectly absorbed, there are several techniques that need to be considered while cooking. Here are some tips you can apply:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Use cuts of beef that have little fat and are not too tough, such as brisket, topside, or shank. These cuts become tender more quickly when cooked for a long time without becoming tough.

2. Cut Against the Grain

When cutting the meat, pay attention to the direction of the fibers. Cut against the grain so that the meat becomes more tender during cooking and does not become chewy when eaten.

3. Tenderize the Meat Before Cooking

Use a meat mallet or the side of a knife to slightly pound the meat before cooking. This method helps break down the meat fibers so that it becomes tender more quickly during cooking.

4. Use Low Heat Cooking Technique

Rendang requires a long cooking time for the spices to be perfectly absorbed. Use low heat and cook slowly so the meat becomes tender without becoming tough or dry.

5. Add Papaya Leaves or Pineapple

If you want to speed up the tenderizing process, you can wrap the meat in papaya leaves for 30 minutes before cooking. The natural enzymes in papaya leaves help soften the meat fibers. Alternatively, you can add a little grated young pineapple while cooking.

6. Do Not Stir Too Often

Stirring too often can cause the meat to break apart or its texture to become tough due to continuous exposure to direct heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the spices are evenly distributed without damaging the texture of the meat.

7.Use Fresh Coconut Milk and Add Gradually

Use fresh coconut milk from coconuts for a richer flavor. First, add diluted coconut milk, then add thick coconut milk at the final stage to make the rendang creamier and keep the meat tender.

8.Cook for Sufficient Time

Tender rendang with perfectly absorbed spices usually requires about 3--4 hours of cooking time. If you want the rendang to be drier and last longer, you can cook it longer on low heat.

By following the tips above, you can achieve tender, delicious beef rendang with perfectly absorbed spices. Good luck trying it out.

(kpl/frr)