Rice & Bowls

Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice

Name: Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) beef brisket; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 inches (5cm) ginger, peeled and grated; 1 cup (250ml) coconut milk; 2 tbsp (30g) coriander seeds; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp (2g) cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (400g) uncooked white rice; 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil

By Nathaniel Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice at a street food stall in Jakarta. The combination of tender beef, flavorful rendang sauce, and fluffy rice was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you.

Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice is a popular dish in Indonesia, and its rich, complex flavors have won the hearts of many foodies around the world. The key to making a great Beef Rendang is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the beef low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

In this recipe, we'll use a combination of beef brisket, coconut milk, and a blend of spices to create a rich, creamy rendang sauce. We'll also cook the rice to perfection, so it's fluffy and separate. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.

So, let's get started and make some delicious Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice! This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with family and friends. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and texture.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, and add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the rendang sauce. You can also serve the dish with a variety of condiments, such as sliced chili peppers or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness and add your favorite vegetables or herbs.
The rendang sauce is rich and creamy, with a deep, complex flavor profile.
The beef is tender and flavorful, with a nice balance of spices and herbs.
The dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with family and friends.
You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the beef low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. The rendang sauce is made with a combination of coconut milk, spices, and herbs, which gives it a rich, creamy flavor. The sauce is also simmered for a long time, which helps to thicken it and intensify the flavors.

The type of beef used in this recipe is also important. Beef brisket is a great choice because it's tender and flavorful, and it becomes even more tender when cooked low and slow. The beef is also marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs before cooking, which helps to add extra flavor and aroma.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is also important. The beef is cooked in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, which allows for even heat distribution and helps to prevent the beef from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pot is also covered with a lid, which helps to trap the steam and flavors inside, creating a rich and aromatic sauce.

Finally, the resting time is also important. After cooking, the beef is allowed to rest for a few minutes, which helps to redistribute the juices and make the meat even more tender. This step is crucial in creating a dish that's not only flavorful but also tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice, you'll need a few key ingredients, including beef brisket, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. You'll also need some aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to add depth and flavor to the dish. Don't worry if you can't find some of the ingredients in your local grocery store - you can easily substitute them with similar ingredients or omit them altogether.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality beef brisket that's fresh and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You'll also want to choose a good-quality coconut milk that's full of flavor and has a rich, creamy texture. For the spices, you can use a pre-mixed blend or create your own using individual spices.

2 lbs (900g) beef brisketLook for a cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat, and trim any excess fat before using.
1 large onion, thinly slicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its natural oils and flavor.
2 inches (5cm) ginger, peeled and gratedUse fresh ginger for the best flavor, and grate it finely to release its oils.
1 cup (250ml) coconut milkChoose a full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
2 tbsp (30g) coriander seedsToast the coriander seeds lightly to bring out their flavor and aroma.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminUse a high-quality ground cumin that's fresh and aromatic.
1 tsp (5g) turmeric powderChoose a bright yellow turmeric powder for the best color and flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) cayenne pepperAdjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor and texture.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.
2 cups (400g) uncooked white riceChoose a long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, for the fluffiest texture and best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed, for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy potInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2
Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's lightly browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the beef brisket and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the coriander seeds, ground cumin, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
6
Add the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8
While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions.
9
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
10
Strain the sauce and discard any excess fat or solids.
11
Serve the sliced beef with the rendang sauce spooned over the top, along with a side of fluffy rice.
12
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality beef brisket for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the beef - it should be tender and juicy, but still slightly pink in the center.
Adjust the level of spiciness to your desired taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Use a variety of spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Don't skip the resting time - it's crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.
Serve the dish with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to find your favorite.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not adjusting the level of spiciness to your desired taste.
Not straining the sauce, which can leave excess fat and solids in the dish.
Not resting the beef, which can make it tough and juicy.
Not serving the dish with a variety of sides, which can add some extra flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the pot with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of protein, such as chicken or pork, for a variation on the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by using more cayenne pepper or adding some diced jalapenos.
Use a variety of spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Serve the dish with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and texture.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to find your favorite.

What to Serve With Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice

Serve the Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or fried shallots, to add some extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a lighter option.

Some other ideas for sides include:

- Stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, with some garlic and ginger.

- Fried shallots, which add a crispy texture and sweet flavor to the dish.

- Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, with some soy sauce and sesame oil.

- A simple green salad, with some mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

Stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, with some garlic and ginger.Fried shallots, which add a crispy texture and sweet flavor to the dish.Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, with some soy sauce and sesame oil.A simple green salad, with some mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Indonesian Beef Rendang Rice can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating the dish include:

- Reheating it in the microwave, covered with a paper towel, for 30-60 seconds, or until hot and steaming.

- Reheating it on the stovetop, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steaming.

- Adding some extra sauce or broth to the dish, if it becomes too dry during reheating.

- Serving the dish with some fresh herbs or scallions, to add some extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for this recipe?

Beef brisket is the best type of beef for this recipe, as it's tender and flavorful, and becomes even more tender when cooked low and slow.

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can use a different type of protein, such as chicken or pork, for a variation on the dish. Just adjust the cooking time and method accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness in this dish is adjustable, depending on your desired taste. You can add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is the best type of rice for this recipe, as it's fluffy and separate, and has a delicate flavor.

Can I add some diced vegetables to the pot?

Yes, you can add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the pot with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I reheat the dish?

You can reheat the dish in the microwave, covered with a paper towel, for 30-60 seconds, or until hot and steaming. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steaming.

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

The Full Recipe

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