Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves
A slow-cooked Malaysian beef rendang simmered in rich spices, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves until tender and aromatic. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, coconut milk, toasted grated coconut (kerisik) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup toasted grated coconut (kerisik)
- 3 tbsp red chili paste
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 inch piece galangal, sliced
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 5 leaves kaffir lime leaves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced shallots and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp red chili paste, 1 inch sliced galangal, 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, 5 kaffir lime leaves, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and sear for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to coat beef evenly with the spice mixture.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1 tbsp palm sugar and 1 tsp salt, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup toasted grated coconut (kerisik) during the last 10 minutes of cooking to deepen the flavor and thicken the sauce further.
- Step 7: Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves before serving with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Beef Rendang with Toasted Coconut and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
