👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the spice paste: In a food processor or blender, combine the sliced shallots, minced garlic, ginger, galangal, and blended dried chilies. Process until a smooth paste forms. If needed, add a tablespoon of water to help blend.

   💡 Tip: Soaking the dried chilies beforehand makes them easier to blend into a smooth paste.
2. 2

   Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate, about 8-10 minutes. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

   💡 Tip: Sautéing the spice paste thoroughly is crucial for developing deep flavor and removing any raw spice taste.
3. 3

   Add the beef cubes to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes until the beef is lightly browned on all sides.

   💡 Tip: Browning the beef helps to seal in the juices and adds another layer of flavor.
4. 4

   Pour in the thick coconut milk, thin coconut milk (or water), bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, sliced galangal, and turmeric leaf (if using). Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

   💡 Tip: Ensure all aromatics like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are bruised or torn to release their fragrance.
5. 5

   Cover the pot and simmer gently for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the sauce has thickened considerably. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key to tenderizing the beef and allowing the flavors to meld.
6. 6

   Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and oily, stir in the tamarind paste, salt, and sugar. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is dark, rich, and the oil has separated from the solids.

   💡 Tip: The final stage of cooking, where the oil separates, is essential for achieving the characteristic dry rendang texture.
7. 7

   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar if necessary. Remove the lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices before serving.

   💡 Tip: Adjusting the seasoning at the end ensures the perfect balance of flavors.
8. 8

   Serve hot with steamed rice, ketupat, or roti canai.

   💡 Tip: Rendang is often even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.