Rendang Daging Padang Express (West Sumatran Caramelized Coconut & Lemongrass Beef) – Authentic Indonesia Recipe
Crowned the world’s most delicious dish: beef slow-simmered in coconut milk and spices until dark, nutty, and rich.
- Country of Origin
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia (Southeast Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Tender beef cubes, Toasted grated coconut, Steamed jasmine rice and cucumber, Lemongrass stalks, Galangal
Ingredients for Rendang Daging Padang Express (West Sumatran Caramelized Coconut & Lemongrass Beef) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender beef cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups toasted grated coconut, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup steamed jasmine rice and cucumber
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lemongrass stalks
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Indonesia seasoning (galangal, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, cinnamon, thick coconut milk)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tender beef cubes for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, lemongrass stalks, and galangal, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, cinnamon, thick coconut milk, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add toasted grated coconut and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in steamed jasmine rice and cucumber right before serving warm.