Velvet

Slow-Cooked Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut

Inspired by techniques from NYT Cooking.

Rendang · Indonesian

A rich, slow-braised beef curry deeply flavoured with toasted coconut, citrus leaves and a fragrant chilli paste, simmered until dark, thick and glossy.

Prep25 min
Cook2 h
Total2 h 25 min
DifficultyMedium
Per serving639 kcal
FreeGluten-freeDairy-free
Servings4Recipe makes 4
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

None of the 14 major EU allergens. Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Soak. Soak 8 dried red chillies in cold water for 1 h until soft, then drain and chop.

  2. 2

    Blend. Blitz the chillies with 120 g shallots, 2 lemongrass stalks, 6 garlic cloves and the chopped ginger with 80 ml water to a smooth paste.

  3. 3

    Fry. Heat 5 tbsp oil in a wok until very hot, add the paste and fry for 1-2 min until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Simmer. Add 700 g beef, 240 ml coconut milk and 280 ml water, bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 30 min.

  5. 5

    Season. Stir in 6 lime leaves, 60 ml tamarind liquid, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp salt.

  6. 6

    Toast. Toast 40 g desiccated coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 min until light golden, then stir into the beef.

  7. 7

    Cook. Cover and cook on low until the beef is very tender, 60-75 min, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it catches.

  8. 8

    Reduce. Uncover and cook, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and dark and the oil separates, 15-20 min.

  9. 9

    Serve. Remove the lime leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.

Storage

Once cooled, cover and keep in the fridge for a few days, or freeze in portions, reheating gently on the hob until piping hot throughout. Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).

Equipment

  • small heatproof bowl
  • blender
  • wok or wide heavy pan with lid
  • small dry frying pan
  • wooden spoon

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy639 kcal
Protein41.8 g
Carbohydrate24.3 g
of which sugars10.1 g
of which free sugars1 g
Fat44.3 g
of which saturates21.6 g
Fibre3.9 g
Salt1.87 g

Protein per 100 kcal

6.5 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values