Slow cooker beef rendang curry is delectable aromatic Indonesian curry made with delicious spices that is super simple with the help of the crockpot (slowcooker). (keto-friendly/low carb)
Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Does all the Work so you don't have to
You are going to love Slow Cooker Beef Rendang because is slightly spicy from the garlic chili, warming from the ginger, aromatic from the lemon grass absolutely sublime and tender! Have you ever tried Beef Rendang?
The slow cooker is the key to making this high maintenance dish down to low maintenance dish. You just pop in a few spices, herbs, beef and let your slow cooker do the work while you are at work, school or running errands. Then finish the rest on the top of the stove when you get home. If you are looking for another cozy warming recipe, you may like our Tuscan Slow Cooked Braised Beef in Wine Sauce.
Finding Asian Spices and Herbs in a Western Market
Do you find it difficult finding Asian spices and herbs in a western food market? Have you ever tried Gourmet Herbs and Spices Garden Stir in pastes? We absolutely love these. This is not a sponsored post or an affiliate link we just really like this product and it saves time. However, if you are living in Asia then go for fresh all the way. Fresh lemongrass, fresh galangal, fresh kaffir lime leaves, fresh chili and fresh shallots. We removed some of the hard to find spices and herbs and made substitutions to meet the needs of those wanting to try a delicious Indonesian dish but those that have difficulty finding the ingredients abroad.
How to Cook Beef Rendang
Did you know that Once your beef is cooked either on high for 4 hours or low for 8 in the slow cooker, the coconut milk and spices change colors? The coconut milk cracks and the beef gets little delicious crunchy browned bits on the ends. Seriously, this is the most delicious part. Here is a photo at the start of the cooking process.
Here is a photo at the end of the cooking process.
Why you are going to Love Slow Cooker Beef Rendang Curry
Slow cooker beef rendang curry is a dry curry so there is not going to be a thick curry sauce BUT there is going to be so much flavor packed in one bite you won’t be able to stop eating it.
What happens as the slow cooker beef rendang curry cooks on top of the stove is that the coconut broth starts to thicken and combine with the herbs and spices and then it will crack. All that will be left is the delicious spiced beef and coconut essence. Are you ready to give this recipe a try?
Dietary Issues? No Problem!
We made this our slow cooker beef rendang keto-friendly/low carb, gluten-free, dairy free and diabetic friendly. Instead of rice we made stir fried cauliflower rice on the side. If you are not watching your carbs, then make delicious Thai Jasmine rice on the side.
You Might Like These Recipes...
We always crave curries when the weather starts to cool down. Have you tried our Crockpot Thai Turkey Tenderloin, Tasty Thai Curry Bowls or our Halibut Coconut Curry in a Hurry?
Hungry For More? Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all the latest updates.
Slow Cooker Beef Rendang Curry
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef Chuck roast
uncooked cut into large cubes - 1 Onion peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic
peeled and minced - 2 whole star Anise or ¼ teaspoon ground
- 2-3 stick Cinnamon
or 1 heaping teaspoon ground - 5 pods Cardamom freshly ground (or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric dried ground
- 3 tablespoon Lemongrass paste
(or 3 fresh bashed and cut to release the essence) - 2 teaspoon Chili paste to 2 tablespoons (or as desired for level of heat)
- 1 inch Ginger
knob peeled and grated) or 2 tablespoons of ginger paste - 1 teaspoon Sugar (we used sugar free alternative) but palm sugar or brown sugar is delicious if you are not watching your carbs.
- Salt and pepper
to taste - 1 cube beef bouillon gluten free
- 13.5 oz Coconut milk – 1 can (we used regular full fat) full fat
- 1-2 tablespoon Lime juice
upon serving - Cilantro
garnish optional - Cauliflower rice or regular jasmine rice optional, served on the side
Instructions
- In the slow cooker add beef, onion, garlic, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, lemongrass, chili paste, ginger, sugar or sugar alternative, salt and pepper to taste and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Beef should be fall apart tender.
- Remove the whole Star Anise, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods and discard.
- Next, remove the beef AND all the delicious juices from the slow cooker (crockpot) and place into a large skillet or wok. Add the beef bouillon cube.
- Add the coconut milk to the beef mixture in the skillet or wok. Cook over medium high until the coconut milk is reduced and the curry and beef is dark and luscious in color. Most of the curry sauce will be gone at this point. All is left from the curry sauce is the oil from the coconut milk and the beef. Carefully brown the beef in all sides to get those delicious little crispy edges. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve your slow cooker beef rendang Curry in a bowl with a side of cauliflower rice or jasmine rice. Garnish with squirt of fresh lime juice and cilantro. Enjoy!
Eha says
Absolutely adore rendang even tho' I only allow myself to cook it once or twice a month because of its fat content. Next time around, and that very soon, I'll follow your recipe exactly ! Nice !! As far as ingredients are concerned, all of yours are staples - I cook about 70% varied Asian every week and my local, rather 'ordinary', supermarkets would carry every item in spades . . . have not been to an 'Asian' market or store for decades methinks . . .
Jane Saunders says
Super easy to throw together and then forget about until supper time. This is a great recipe.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Jane. We are all about those dump and go recipes on those busy days. Just throw everything in the slow cooker before work and come home to a delicious meal.
Monica M. says
Never can resist a good curry...and love a slow cooker recipe. I'm ready to start cooking with it more often now that it's getting chilling. I'm hungry!!
HWC Magazine says
Hi there Monica! It has been cold damp and miserable here so it is curries and soups all the way until the sun shines again. Wishing you a super weekend!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
All these spices have my mouth watering! What a delicious curry dish.
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much Amy! Layers and layers of flavors and spices. You can make it mild or as hot as you desire. Take care
Gerlinde de Broekert says
This looks so good and I love all the flavors you added. I am always looking for recipes to do with my slow cooker. Thank you Bobbie
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Gerlinde! It is certainly slow cooker and curry season now, cold damp and rainy today. Wishing you a super week.
Katerina says
Perfect comfort food Bobbi! I would love to have it on my table!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Katerina! Your are most welcome any evening... Take Care
kitchenriffs says
Mmmm, tasty looking! Perfect for this time of the year, too, when the weather is turning chilly. Thanks!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you John! We CRAVE curries in the winter and fall. Welcome back...
anupama (MGGK) says
This beef curry looks so luscious and delish, Bobbi. I am sure my beef loving daughter would go gaga over this. Thanks for this lovely recipe.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Anu. I promise we have some vegan dishes in que for you too. Take care