How to store rendang so it tastes better and doesn't go stale quickly

foto: shutterstock.com

Don't let rendang that has been cooked for hours go stale quickly and can't be enjoyed.

Brilio.net - Rendang is one of Indonesia's signature dishes that is famous for its deliciousness. This dish is cooked for a long time with coconut milk and various spices, resulting in a rich savory taste. Not only delicious, rendang is also known as a food that can last a long time. In fact, rendang was once named one of the most delicious foods in the world!

However, even though rendang has a fairly long shelf life, improper storage can make it go stale quickly. Rendang that is left at room temperature for too long, stored in an unclean container, or not heated properly can cause the growth of bacteria and fungi. This is certainly a shame, considering that the process of cooking rendang takes hours.

So, how do you store rendang so that it remains delicious, lasts long, and does not go stale easily? Here are some tricks that you can apply as summarized by BrilioFood from various sources.

Before discussing how to store it, it is important to ensure that rendang is made from quality ingredients. Fresh beef that is free from contamination will make rendang last longer. Choose a part of the meat that contains little fat, such as the back leg or brisket, because excess fat can speed up the rotting process.

Also, make sure the meat is washed thoroughly and drained before cooking. If there is still water left, it can accelerate the growth of bacteria in the dish.

The texture of rendang greatly affects its durability. The drier the rendang, the longer it will last. Rendang that is still wet or has a lot of coconut milk tends to go stale faster because of its high water content.

If you want to store it for a long time, make sure the rendang is completely dry. Cook it on low heat until the coconut milk is completely reduced and the spices are absorbed. Rendang that has reached a dark brown color with oil coming out of the spices is a sign that the rendang is ready to be stored longer.

Improper storage can cause rendang to quickly become moldy. Therefore, always use a clean and dry container before storing rendang. It is better to choose an airtight container so that rendang is not exposed to air which can accelerate decay.

If you want to store it in large quantities, divide the rendang into small portions so that it is easy to take without having to open the entire container every time you want to heat it up.

There are several ways to store rendang according to your needs:

- Room Temperature (1-2 Days)
If you want to consume it soon, store the rendang at room temperature in a closed container. However, make sure it is not exposed to open air and reheat it at least once a day to keep it fresh.

- Refrigerator (5-7 Days)
For longer storage, rendang can be stored in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container and store it on the main shelf, not in the refrigerator door, because the temperature in the door often changes.

- Freezer (1-3 Months)
If you want to store it for more than a week, store the rendang in the freezer. Use a tight container or ziplock plastic so that the rendang is not exposed to cold air that can damage its texture. When you want to consume it, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature before reheating it.

photo: shutterstock.com

Before eating the stored rendang, reheat it in the correct way so that it still tastes delicious:

- Use low heat so the spices don't burn.
- Do not add water because it can change the texture and taste of the rendang.
- Stir slowly until the rendang is evenly heated and the oil comes out again.
- If the rendang is from the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature before heating.

A common mistake is taking rendang with a spoon that is still wet or dirty. Water and contamination from the spoon can cause rendang to go stale quickly. Make sure to always use a dry and clean spoon every time you take rendang from its container.

One trick that can be done to extend the life of rendang is to add a little coconut oil when cooking it. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. In addition, coconut oil can also keep rendang soft and not easily dry when stored.

If you want to cook rendang that can be stored for a long time, here is the recipe:

Material:
- 1 kg beef, cut to taste
- 1 liter of thick coconut milk from 2 coconuts
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 lime leaves
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 1 segment of galangal, bruised
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar

Ground spices:
- 8 shallots
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 5 candlenuts, roasted
- 3 cm ginger
- 3 cm turmeric
- 5 large red chilies

How to make:
1. Saute the ground spices with a little coconut oil until fragrant.
2. Add bay leaves, lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal. Stir well.
3. Add the beef pieces, stir until they change color.
4. Pour in the coconut milk slowly, stirring continuously so that the coconut milk doesn't break.
5. Cook over low heat while stirring occasionally until the coconut milk dries up and the spices are absorbed.
6. If you want it to last longer, continue to cook until the rendang is completely dry and oily.
7. Cool before storing in a closed container.

Storing rendang so that it remains delicious and does not go stale quickly is actually not difficult. Make sure the meat used is of good quality, cook it until it is completely dry, use a clean container, and store it at the right temperature. With this trick, rendang can last longer without losing its deliciousness.

So, don't hesitate to cook rendang in large quantities, because with proper storage, rendang can be enjoyed at any time without worrying about it going stale quickly!

(brl/tin)