What to Serve with Beef Rendang (15+ Yummy Side Dishes)

Finding good sides to serve with Beef Rendang can be a real challenge. Many recipes I found online were very heavy in carbs, with lots of rice and noodles. And while those are all delicious, they really don’t pair well with the complex flavors of the beef rendang.

So I decided to compile my own list of sides that you can try! These dishes are all light and fresh and will complement the beef rendang perfectly.

My personal favorites are the Roasted Cauliflowers and the Malaysian flatbread. But there are plenty of other options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that you love!

Side Dishes For Beef Rendang

1. Lemang
2. Sauteed potatoes
3. Roasted cauliflowers
4. Nasi lemak
5. Steamed broccoli
6. Caramelized broccoli with garlic
7. Malaysian flatbread
8. Green beans in peanut sauce
9. Seaweed kale
10. Cucumber salad
11. Rice cake
12. Indonesian fried rice
13. Pilau rice
14. Jasmine rice
15. French fries

Lemang

Lemang is a great side dish for beef rendang because the ingredients complement each other so well.

Lemang is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and spices, while beef rendang is a fiery curry-like dish made with slow-cooked beef, coconut milk, and a variety of spices.

Together, these two dishes create a simply irresistible flavor explosion. The creamy coconut milk in the lemang helps to temper the spice of the beef rendang, and the glutinous rice provides a lovely textural contrast.

Sauteed potatoes

Sauteed potatoes are a great side dish for beef rendang because they are hearty and filling. The delicious beef rendang gravy is then poured over the top of the potatoes.

Many types of potatoes can be sauteed, but my personal favorite is the russet potato. Russet potatoes are high-starch potatoes.

I usually saute my potatoes in a little bit of coconut oil to give them an extra depth of flavor. I also add some chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.

Roasted cauliflowers

Roasted cauliflowers are a great side dish for beef rendang because they are healthy and flavorful.

The roasted garlic in roasted cauliflower helps to bring out the flavor of the beef rendang.

To make this dish, simply roast some cauliflower florets in a little olive oil until they are browned and crispy. For a bit of sweetness to the cauliflower, I like to add a touch of honey.

Nasi lemak

This dish originates from Malaysia and is a national dish. Nasi lemak is a rice dish that is cooked in coconut milk and served with various side dishes.

The most common side dish served with nasi lemak is beef rendang. The two dishes complement each other so well because they share similar flavors.

Nasi lemak is a great side dish for beef rendang because it is both flavorful and filling.

Steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a great side dish for beef rendang because it is healthy and provides a crunchy contrast to the tenderness of the beef.

Additionally, steamed broccoli in the dish helps to balance out the flavors and makes it a more complete meal. The steamed broccoli also absorbs the sauce from the beef rendang.

Finally, when steaming broccoli remember to not overcook it. You want the broccoli to still have a slight crunch to it.

Caramelized broccoli with garlic

This is another way to enjoy broccoli with rich and savory beef rendang.

To caramelize broccoli, first, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for two to three minutes. Then, drain the broccoli and saute it in a little olive oil until it is browned.

Next, add some garlic and a touch of honey. The honey will help to balance out the savoriness of the beef rendang.

Malaysian flatbread

This is a great way to mop up the juicy beef rendang gravy. Malaysian flatbread is a type of unleavened bread that is cooked on a griddle.

Additionally, it is similar to a pancake or crepe, but it is made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. You can buy this flatbread from an Asian store, however, if you’re going to this by yourself, I’ve included a recipe below.

To make the flatbread, simply combine rice flour, water, and a little salt. Then, heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and pour in the batter.

Green beans in peanut sauce

Green beans in peanut sauce are a popular side dish in Malaysia.

The green beans are cooked until they are tender and then smothered in a rich and creamy peanut sauce.

This is a great way to add some vegetables to your meal. The peanut sauce helps to balance out the flavors of the beef rendang and make it a more complete meal. Pour the sauce over the green beans and serve.

Seaweed kale

To make this dish, simply blanch the seaweed kale in boiling water for two to three minutes. Then, drain and saute in a little olive oil until it is wilted.

I particularly like seaweed kale because of its vast nutritional qualities.

Cucumber salad

This is a light and refreshing side dish that helps to cut through the richness of the beef rendang.

To make the cucumber salad, simply slice some cucumbers and onions and then dress with a little vinegar, sugar, and salt. However, if you want it creamy, then you can use mayonnaise instead.

This salad is best served chilled. So, if you have the time, make it a few hours ahead of time and then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Rice cake

Rice cake is a popular side dish in Malaysia. It is made by steaming rice flour batter on a banana leaf.

The rice cake is then cut into small squares and served with beef rendang. The two dishes complement each other because they share similar flavors.

If you can’t find rice cake, then you can use steamed rice as a substitute.

Indonesian fried rice

The first time I tried this rice, I was blown away. The flavor, and the texture, is so good!

Indonesian fried rice is a delicious side dish that is perfect for pairing with beef rendang. The rice is cooked with a variety of spices and herbs, including garlic, ginger, and cumin, which give it a unique flavor.

The rice is also cooked with chicken and shrimp, giving it more bulk and making it even more flavorful.

Additionally, The richness of the savory fried rice complements the beef rendang perfectly. I guarantee this will be a favorite of yours.

Pilau rice

Pilau rice is a great side dish for beef rendang because it has a similar flavor profile and shares some of the same ingredients.

Both dishes are made with coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric, which gives them a rich, creamy flavor.

When served together, they create a delicious and hearty meal that is sure to please any appetite.

The key to making pilau rice is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the rice slowly so that it absorbs all of the flavors. When done right, pilau rice is light and fluffy.

Jasmine rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant, long-grain rice that is popular in Southeast Asia. It has a light, delicate flavor that pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of beef rendang.

To cook jasmine rice, simply rinse the rice in water and then cook it according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then serve.

French fries

French fries are a side dish that is loved by many. They are the perfect way to add some extra crunch and salty flavor to your meal.

When paired with beef rendang, you will be getting a mixture of savory and salty flavors, as well as a bit of sweetness from the coconut milk.

FAQ

What goes well with rendang curry?

There are many side dishes that go well with rendang curry. Some of my favorites include green beans with peanut sauce, cucumber salad, rice cake, and Indonesian fried rice.

Which cut of beef is best for rendang?

The best cut of beef for rendang is chuck roast. This cut of beef has a lot of marbling, which helps to keep it moist and flavorful.

What makes rendang so good?

Rendang is a dish that is packed with flavor. The beef is cooked in a curry paste made with a variety of spices, including ginger, turmeric, and chili peppers. This gives the beef rendang a deep, rich flavor that is simply delicious.

In addition to the spices, rendang also contains coconut milk, which adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the dish. Combined, these flavors make rendang curry an incredibly delicious and addicting dish.

Conclusion:

There you have it! 15 of the best side dishes to serve with beef rendang. Each dish brings its own unique flavor to the table, making for a delicious and well-rounded meal. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!