Traditional Malay Beef Rendang

What does it include?

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef, cubed
• 75 ml vegetable oil
• 1 bunch of cinnamon
• 3 cloves
• 3 anise stars
• 3 cardamom pods
• 400 ml of coconut milk or cream
• 240 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 stalks of lemongrass (crushed)
• 5 chopped shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 tablespoons toasted grated coconut (kerisik)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt to taste

How to prepare it step by step?

Preparation

1. Chop the shallots, garlic, and ginger.
2. Process the shallots, garlic, and ginger until you obtain a smooth paste.
3. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Add the spice paste, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom, sautéing until they give off an intense aroma, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the beef and crushed lemongrass stems, stirring until the meat is sealed on all sides.
6. Pour in the coconut milk, water, and tamarind paste, stirring to combine.
7. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the meat is tender and much of the liquid has reduced, about 1 hour.
8. Stir in the toasted coconut, kaffir lime leaves, and sugar, mixing well until the sauce thickens and takes on a characteristic dark color.
9. Adjust the salt to taste and cook for a few additional minutes until the desired texture is achieved.