Rendang Padang(Spicy Beef From Padang, Sumatra-Indonesia.)
A rich, spicy beef rendang from Padang, Sumatra, featuring aromatic spices, coconut milk, and dry coconut flakes for a flavorful, hearty Indonesian dish perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean beef, sliced against the grain into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, minced ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, mashed ⓘ
- 3 kemiri (Macadamia) nuts, crushed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon or lime juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. coriander powder ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. dried red chili flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon grass powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 2 Tbsp. turmeric
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 c. unsweetened coconut milk ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. freshly grated or unsweetened dry coconut flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the seasoning ingredients, oil, and water in a large bowl and stir well.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Allow the beef to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight. If you can't find kemiri nuts, macadamia nuts are a suitable substitute. Adjust the level of chili flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add a touch of soy sauce for extra depth, or use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rendang Padang over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the rich sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. This dish also complements Hulupki (Cabbage Rolls) or a simple cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it from drying out. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rendang Padang(Spicy Beef From Padang, Sumatra-Indonesia.) contains roughly 1378 calories, with 36g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and calcium (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2493mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck or brisket, but lean beef works best for tenderness. Just ensure to cook it low and slow to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water for a delicious vegetarian version. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
What can I do if I don't have all the spices?
If you're missing some spices, don't worry! You can experiment with what you have on hand. For instance, if you don't have lemongrass powder, use lime zest for a citrusy flavor. Just keep tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).