This Hairy Bikers Beef Rendang Recipe is a rich and deeply spiced dish, which uses coconut milk and toasted coconut. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Beef Rendang Recipe Ingredients
For the Spice Paste (Rempah):
- 4 shallots, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2-3 large red chilies, deseeded and chopped
- 1-inch piece of galangal, peeled and sliced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, soft inner part sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Rendang:
- 2 lbs stewing beef (like chuck steak), cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, lightly bruised
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup toasted desiccated coconut (kerisik)

How To Make Hairy Bikers Beef Rendang Recipe
- Make the spice paste: Blend shallots, garlic, chilies, galangal, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and oil into a thick, smooth paste.
- Fry the paste: In a large pot, sauté the spice paste over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until very fragrant and the oil separates.
- Sear the beef: Add beef to the paste and cook, stirring, until well coated and browned on all sides.
- Simmer: Pour in coconut milk and water. Add kaffir lime leaves, star anise, cinnamon, tamarind paste, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- Dry the curry: Stir in toasted coconut. Cook uncovered for another 30–60 minutes, stirring often, until sauce reduces to a thick, oily paste that clings to the meat.

Recipe Tips
- What cut of beef is best for rendang? Chuck or stewing beef works best for tenderness.
- How to make kerisik (toasted coconut)? Toast desiccated coconut in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown.
- Can I use ground spices instead of fresh? You can, but fresh ingredients offer better flavor. Substitute with caution.
- Is rendang supposed to be dry? Yes, it’s a dry curry. The sauce should reduce until thick and dark.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, rendang tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What To Serve With Beef Rendang
This rich curry pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
- Roti or flatbread
- Cucumber salad
- Pickled vegetables (acar)
- Stir-fried greens
How To Store Beef Rendang
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Beef Rendang Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 645 kcal
- Total Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 40g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use lamb or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly as lamb or chicken cooks faster.
What’s a substitute for galangal?
Use extra ginger if galangal isn’t available.
Do I need a food processor for the paste?
It’s helpful but not required. You can use a mortar and pestle or finely chop ingredients.
How spicy is this recipe?
Moderately spicy. Adjust chili quantity to your taste.
Is rendang gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Mediterranean Meatballs Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Nut Roast Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Mince And Dumplings Recipe
Hairy Bikers Beef Rendang Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: British4
servings20
minutes3
hours30
minutes645
kcalA deeply flavorful Indonesian-style beef curry slowly cooked with spices, coconut milk, and toasted coconut until richly tender.
Ingredients
2 lbs stewing beef (chuck steak), cubed
2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water
4 kaffir lime leaves
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp palm or brown sugar
Salt to taste
1/2 cup toasted desiccated coconut (kerisik)
- Spice Paste:
4 shallots
4 garlic cloves
2–3 red chilies, deseeded
1-inch galangal
1-inch ginger
1-inch turmeric
2 stalks lemongrass
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
- Blend spice paste ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Fry paste in oil until fragrant and the oil separates.
- Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Add coconut milk, water, lime leaves, star anise, cinnamon, tamarind paste, and sugar. Simmer covered for 2–2.5 hours.
- Stir in toasted coconut and simmer uncovered 30–60 minutes until thick and dry.
- Serve with rice or flatbread.
