Beef Rendang Freezer Recipe

Friends, I want you to meet Beef Rendang, this tantalizing beef recipe is the ultimate comfort food packed with the flavor that will make your taste buds melt. With an exotic flair, this traditional Indonesian dish features tender beef simmered in a luscious coconut-based cause with a blend of spices like lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. The result, a recipe that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make.

Freezer Meal Hack

For busy parents, Beef Rendang is the ultimate freezer meal. It is the perfect prep-ahead meal that will have you adding it to your monthly rotation. As a freezer meal, it holds up beautifully, with the slow cooker becoming your best friend on the day of need. Less time stressing in the kitchen over dinner means more quality time with the ones you love.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Rendang Recipe

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot-Friendly: Hands-off cooking options make it even easier for busy parents.
• Longevity in the Freezer: It freezes beautifully for weeks, so you’ll always have a homemade dinner ready to go.
• Meal-Prep MVP: It’s ideal for busy weeks when cooking from scratch isn’t realistic.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook it all in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash after a long day.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein and wholesome spices, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal for the whole family.
• Pairs with Everything: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a variety of meal options.

 Ingredients For Your Healthy Beef Rendang

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks 

• 1 (13.5 oz) can full fat coconut milk 
• 1 large onion, chopped 
• 2 tsp garlic powder 
• 2 tsp ginger 
• 2-3 red chilies, chopped (adjust to taste) 
• ½ tsp lemon zest 
• 2 tsp ground turmeric 
• 2 tsp ground coriander 
• 2 tsp ground cumin 
• 2 tbsp brown sugar 
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tsp salt 
• Cilantro lime Rice Base:
• 2 cups rice uncooked, cook according to package before serving  
• juice of 2 limes  
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, diced  
• 1 tsp salt 

Beef Rendang Freezer Recipe

Beef Rendang is a rich, slow-cooked Indonesian dish with tender beef, creamy coconut milk, and bold spices. Perfect for meal prep, it freezes beautifully for quick weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian inspired

Servings 4

Calories 670 kcal

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck cut into chunks
• 13.5 oz Full fat coconut milk can
• 1 Large Onion chopped
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Ginger
• 2-3 Red chilies chopped(adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
• 2 tsp Ground turmeric
• 2 tsp Ground coriander
• 2 tsp Ground cumin
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Salt

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 2 cups Uncooked rice cook according to package before serving
• 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro diced
• 1 tsp Salt

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Instructions

 

Prep | Directions

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients, except for the cilantro lime rice ingredients, to the freezer bag. 
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 1 cup water.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Stir within slow cooker and serve over cilantro lime rice.

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions: 

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.  
3. Stir within instant pot and serve over cilantro lime rice. 

Dietary Adjustments

Make this Gluten-Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally gluten-free

 

Make this Dairy Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally dairy free

Notes

*Cook rice, then mix all together before serving. Add more salt to taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 52.2gProtein: 33.4gFat: 35.6g

Keyword Beef freezer meals, Beef Freezer Recipe, Beef Rendang, Easy beef Recipes, Slow cooker beef recipes

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Equipment For Your Family favorite Beef Rendang

• Slow cooker
• Gallon freezer bag

How To Make A Freezer Friendly Beef Rendang

Prep | Directions

• Step 1: Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method. 
• Step 2: Add all ingredients, except for the cilantro lime rice ingredients, to the freezer bag.  
• Step 3: Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Step 1: Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking. 
• Step 2: Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 1 cup water. 
• Step 3: Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 
• Step 4: Stir within slow cooker and serve over cilantro lime rice.

What to Pair with your Delicious Beef Recipe

Sides:

• Cucumber and Peanut Salad
• Roti Canai
• Steamed Broccoli

Desserts:

• Pandan Cake
• Coconut Sorbet
• Dragon Fruit Coconut Cocktail

Mocktails:

• Berry Mocktail
• Blood Orange and Rosemary Soda
• Lemongrass Tea

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Beef Chuck → Chicken Thighs or Lamb Shoulder: Chicken thighs or lamb shoulder chunks are tender and absorb the rich flavors well, making them excellent alternatives.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk → Coconut Cream or Almond Milk: Coconut cream adds a thicker, creamier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, almond milk (preferably unsweetened) works, though it slightly alters the flavor.
• Soy Sauce → Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Tamari is a gluten-free option that retains the savory umami taste, while coconut aminos bring a subtly sweet note to the dish.

Additions:

• Star Anise or Cinnamon Stick: Add 1-2 star anise or a cinnamon stick during cooking for a deeper, aromatic layer.
• Diced Carrots or Sweet Potatoes: Toss in small chunks of carrots or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and texture. These freeze nicely and can make the dish more hearty.
• Frozen Peas or Green Beans: Stir in frozen peas or green beans toward the end of cooking. These veggies retain their vibrant color and texture after freezing.

Best way to store easy Make Ahead Beef Rendang leftovers?

The best way to store Beef Rendang leftovers is in the fridge or in the freezer. If you wish to store for a short period of time, transfer the cooled Beef Rendang into an airtight container, then ensure it is properly sealed to prevent moisture loss and protect it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

If you need longer storage, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags.

How long will Beef Rendang last in the fridge after cooking?

 Beef Rendang leftovers can last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored properly in airtight containers and kept at a temperature below 40°F. Also, make sure that you allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing.

Can I freeze Beef Rendang?

Yes! Beef Rendang recipe freezes exceptionally well. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature, and place individual portions in freezer safe bags or containers. This will allow reheating to happen much easier. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

If you are looking to make this into a raw freezer meal, add all ingredients except for the cilantro lime rice into the freezer bag, and store for up to three months.

How to reheat Easy Beef Rendang?

• Microwave: Use a microwave safe-dish and warm up in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Head in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring through until warmed through. 
• If your leftovers were frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat directly from frozen by placing it in a covered saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if needed.

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Your Questions Answered

Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of a beef chuck and how would it affect the dish?

Yes! You can substitute beef chuck with other cuts like brisket or short ribs, these cuts also work exceptionally well for slow cooking.

• For a leaner option, try sirloin tips, though this may not achieve the same melt-in-your mouth quality.
• Brisket has a similar texture to chuck roast, but may require a longer cook time.
• Short ribs can add an extra depth of flavor but tends to be a pricier option for meat.

Is full-fat coconut milk necessary, or can I use a low-fat version or a substitute?

Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for Beef Rendang because it adds richness and creates a clinging sauce that just adheres to the beef so well.

• low-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter dish. Notice that the sauce might be thinner, so you may need to simmer it longer to achieve the desired consistency as you would get with a full-fat coconut milk.
• If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider almond milk or cashew cream, as that can work as well. These will alter the traditional flavor, but can still make for a tasty dish. 

How spicy is this dish with 2-3 red chilies included, and how can I adjust the heat level for my family?

With adding 2-3 red chilies, this Beef Rendang offers moderate heat, perfect for those who enjoy a spice in their meal prep routine. If you are looking for something a little milder for kids to enjoy, reduce the chilies to 1 or remove the seeds in the chilies before chopping. If you are looking to add more heat, use Thai Bird’s eye chilies or add chili flakes to your dish. Remember that spice levels intensify when the dish is stored, especially in freezer meals, so adjust accordingly during cooking for best results.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker or instant pot, and what adjustments need to be made?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker or instant pot. This will make a great addition to your meal prep routine. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In an instant pot, use the saute function for aromatics, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release. Both of these methods enhance the meal by allowing hands-free cooking, and gives you the time to make delicious food while doing things from your to-do list.

What are some vegetarian or vegan substitutions for the beef in this recipe?

For a plant-based version, substitute the beef with some tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit. Tofu and tempeh are great sources of protein and absorb the spices of the Rendang well. Jackfruit mimics the texture of the shredded beef, making it a popular substitute for vegans in freezer meals. Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a fully plant-based meal prep solution. Oftentimes, plant-based alternatives need less time to cook, so be sure to alternate your cooking times based on your substitutions.

Do I need to marinate the beef before cooking, or can I skip that step?

No. Marinating the beef is not essential. However, it may enhance the flavor depth, especially if you are planning this as part of a meal prep rotation. If you are looking to marinate this , Mix the beef with the spices and soy sauce, and let it marinate for a few hours. Another way is to allow the beef and marinate to mix overnight in the fridge. This extra step will help to infuse the beef with the flavors of the marinade.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin, or thin it out of its too thick?

If you are making your recipe and notice the sauce being too thin, simmer the dish uncovered for an additional amount of time, generally 10-15 minutes. For meal prep, this ensures the dish reheats without losing its texture and consistency. If the sauce turns out to be too thick, add a splash or water, broth, or coconut milk to loosen it up a bit.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it, and will the flavors improve after sitting?

Yes! Beef Rendang is a perfect recipe to add to your make-ahead meal rotation. The flavors intensify as the dish sits, making it even better after a day or two in the fridge. After cooking, make sure to let it cool completely, then portion it out into personal servings and store in the fridge for up to five days. For freezing, it will freeze beautifully for up to three months.

Check out these Beef Recipes!

• Beef Vindaloo Freezer Recipe
• Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Recipe
• Birria Beef Freezer Recipe
• Korean Beef Tacos Freezer Recipe
• Barbacoa Beef Freezer Recipe

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Beef Rendang recipe turned out!! I really want to know.

And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.