Indonesian Chinese Rendang Recipe

Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes  

   Prep Time: 20 minutes

Indonesian Chinese Rendang Ingredients

Indonesian Chinese Rendang Instructions

  1. Peel and roughly chop the shallots, garlic, ginger, and galangal. Remove the seeds from the red chilies and roughly chop them.
  2. Add the shallots, garlic, chilies, ginger, galangal, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground white pepper to a food processor or blender. Blend until a smooth paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste is fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
  4. Add the bruised lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release their aromas.
  5. Add the beef short ribs to the pot. Stir to coat the meat thoroughly with the spice paste and aromatics. Cook for 5 minutes, turning the beef to brown all sides lightly.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and coconut cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add the grated palm sugar, kosher salt, and tamarind paste. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  9. After 2 hours, remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for another 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken until it clings to the beef and the oil begins to separate.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or tamarind paste if needed. Remove the lemongrass, cinnamon sticks, and star anise before serving.

Estimated Calories: 487, Servings: 6

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Rendang History

You know, when you talk about the cultural origins of rendang, it is like trying to figure out who invented the best dad joke. Everyone wants the credit, but nobody wants to admit how long it took to come up with it. Rendang is like the delicious love child of Indonesian and Chinese influences, and honestly, that is a family reunion I want to attend. Imagine the first person who thought, "Let's take this good Indonesian recipe and give it a quick Chinese twist." That is the kind of innovation that makes you wonder if they were just hungry or if they were trying to impress their in-laws. Either way, it worked, because now we have a dish that is so good, it is basically the Beyoncé of the food world.
Now, let us talk about how the recipe evolved. You know a dish is great when it starts as a way to preserve meat and ends up as the star of every festive table. Rendang used to be the slow-cooked, all-day marathon of meals, but now, with everyone wanting things fast and easy, you can find "quick rendang" recipes online. I mean, what is next, instant noodles with a PhD? But hey, I get it. We are all busy. Sometimes you want that healthy, rich flavor without having to take a day off work. So, the recipe keeps changing, and honestly, I am just waiting for someone to invent rendang in a can. That is when you know we have peaked as a society.
Regional adaptations are where things get really fun. You travel across Indonesia and every region claims their version is the best. It is like the Olympics of rendang, but with more coconut milk and less athleticism. Then you throw in the Chinese influence, and suddenly you have rendang with a little soy sauce, maybe some five spice, and everyone's grandma is arguing about what is authentic. It is a good thing rendang is so delicious, because otherwise, these debates would get ugly fast. But that is the beauty of food, right? It brings people together, even if it is just to argue about whose recipe is the real deal.

About Rendang Recipe

If you're on a quest for the best homemade recipe that's both easy and delicious, look no further than this Indonesian Chinese inspired Rendang. This dish is the perfect blend of rich flavors and tender meat, making it a top contender for your next dinner party. The secret to a truly authentic taste lies in the ingredients-think coconut milk, lemongrass, and a symphony of spices that will have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant. If you've ever wondered how to make a quick yet tasty meal that impresses everyone, this recipe is your golden ticket.
Let's talk about the magic behind this simple yet mouthwatering dish. The best part? You don't need to be a professional chef to whip up this easy Rendang. With a few tips and tricks, you'll master the art of balancing flavors and textures. The recipe calls for slow-cooking, which means you can catch up on your favorite show while the ingredients work their magic. Want to know how to make it even better? Use fresh spices and don't skimp on the coconut milk for that creamy, delicious finish. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
For those who love a quick and tasty meal but don't want to compromise on authenticity, this Indonesian Chinese Rendang recipe is the answer. It's the perfect dish for anyone who wants to impress guests with minimal effort. Just follow the simple steps, use the best ingredients, and you'll have a delicious, homemade meal in no time. Don't forget to check out our tips for making your Rendang extra special-because everyone deserves a little culinary magic in their life!

Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because if you have ever tried to fit a pot of rendang into your fridge, you know it is like playing Tetris with your leftovers. The best part is, rendang is one of those dishes that actually gets more delicious the longer it sits, so you want to store it right. Use an airtight container, because if you do not, your fridge will smell like a spice bazaar for weeks, and your milk will start tasting like cloves. Trust me, your cereal does not need that kind of excitement. It is a good idea to let it cool before you stash it, unless you want to steam-clean your fridge the fast and easy way.
Now, let us get into shelf life, because nothing says "living on the edge" like sniffing a container of week-old rendang and wondering if you are about to have a healthy meal or a quick trip to the ER. The great news is, rendang is basically the superhero of leftovers. Thanks to all those spices, it can last up to a week in the fridge, and if you freeze it, you have got a delicious emergency meal for months. Just do not forget it is in there, or you will find it next to that mystery ice cube tray from 2017. That is not a recipe for success.
Spoilage signs are where things get interesting, because rendang is already dark, oily, and mysterious, kind of like your ex. So how do you know if it has gone bad? If it starts growing fuzz or smells like something died in your fridge, that is a pretty good clue. If you see bubbles or it hisses at you when you open the lid, that is not the rendang's way of saying hello. That is your cue to toss it, no matter how easy or fast it was to make. Remember, the best way to stay healthy is to trust your nose, not your nostalgia for last week's dinner.

Rendang Tips

You know you're in for a treat when someone says they're making a homemade Rendang, especially the Indonesian Chinese version. It's like the Avengers of comfort food-everyone's got their own secret recipe, and every auntie swears hers is the best. The trick to nailing that authentic, delicious flavor? It's all about patience and a little bit of culinary therapy. If you're looking for a quick fix, Rendang might not be your go-to, but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was the perfect Rendang.
Let's talk about how to make this dish pop. First, the best tip: don't rush the process. Rendang is like a Netflix binge-you can't just watch one episode and call it a day. Low and slow is the name of the game. That's how you get that tasty, melt-in-your-mouth texture. And if you're aiming for easy and simple, just remember: the fewer shortcuts you take, the more your taste buds will thank you.
Now, about those ingredients. The best Rendang recipe is all about balance. You want that perfect harmony of spicy, savory, and a little bit of sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, try toasting your spices before adding them in. It's like giving your dish a pep talk before the big game-suddenly, everything's more vibrant and ready to impress.
For anyone wondering how to make their Indonesian Chinese Rendang stand out, here's a quick tip: let it rest overnight. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me, the flavors get together like old friends at a reunion-louder, richer, and a little bit more dramatic. That's how you get the best, most authentic, and delicious results.
And if you're worried about making mistakes, don't stress. Even if your Rendang doesn't look like the Instagram version, it'll still taste amazing. The secret is in the love, the patience, and maybe a little bit of luck. So grab your ingredients, follow your favorite recipe, and remember: the only thing better than Rendang is leftover Rendang for breakfast.

Rendang Story

You know, I once tried to impress my mother-in-law with my cooking skills. I thought, what could go wrong? I found this recipe online that promised a quick and easy way to make something that would knock her socks off. The only thing that got knocked off was my confidence. But hey, it was a great bonding experience. Nothing says "welcome to the family" like watching someone try to figure out if they should compliment your cooking or call the fire department. She said it was delicious, but I think she meant it was deliciously brave of me to even try.
Then there was that one date night where I decided to cook instead of going out. I figured, why not show off my skills and save a little money? I told her it would be a fast dinner, but apparently my definition of fast is "ready before sunrise." Still, we had a good time laughing at my attempts to multitask. I learned that the best way to connect with someone is to let them see you panic over a boiling pot. Nothing says romance like the smell of slightly overcooked ambition.
But the real kicker was when I made this dish for a neighbor who had just moved in. I wanted to be friendly, you know, make a good impression. I told him it was healthy, which is what you say when you are not sure how it will turn out. He took one bite, smiled, and said, "This is the best thing I have eaten all week." Granted, it was only Monday, but I will take the win. Turns out, sharing food is the easiest way to make friends, or at least distract them from your lack of culinary expertise.