Beef Rendang

Discover this authentic Malaysian Beef Rendang recipe — a rewarding dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with beef, vegetable oil, cinnamon stick and 9 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 135 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this malaysian classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

15

Prep Time (min)

120

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Beef Rendang

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 lb Beef
  • 5 tbs Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 3 Cloves
  • 3 Star Anise
  • 3 Cardamom
  • 1 cup Coconut Cream
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tbs Tamarind Paste
  • 6 Lime
  • 1 tbs Sugar
  • 5 Challots

Instructions

3 steps · ~80 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Chop the spice paste ingredients and then blend it in a food processor until fine.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    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 the 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, stirring to blend well with the meat.

    15 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  3. Step 3

    Lower the heat to low, cover the lid, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is really tender and the gravy has dried up. Add more salt and sugar to taste. Serve immediately with steamed rice and save some for overnight.

    60 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Malaysian recipe for Beef Rendang is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Malaysian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your malaysian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Beef Rendang is a beloved dish from Malaysian cuisine, originating in Malaysia. With a total preparation time of about 135 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Malaysian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best cuts of beef for Beef Rendang are chuck or brisket, as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium416mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineMalaysian
CategoryDinner
CountryMalaysia