Rendang is the number one signature dish of Minangkabau, which spreads throughout the region. It has gained its popularity globally when in 2011 CNN Travel Readers’å Choice named Rendang as #1 World’s Best Food. Most recently, hype on Rendang has been reinstated when in 2020, NatGeo’s Unchartered program hosted by Gordon Ramsay (British Chef & TV personality) featured Rendang as the highlight of Minangkabau food culture.
For the Minangkabau People, Rendang is much more than just a culinary dish. It represents the traditional wisdom that highlights the importance of good leadership, spiritualism, knowledge, and unity to guide them into harmonious life.
Literally in the Minangkabau language, Rendang means “Marandang” or cooking slowly to reduce the moisture to create a dried caramelized stew. Rendang serves as an expression of gratitude and respect. It is a must-have dish in any festivity, either for celebrating newborns, weddings, Eid Mubarak, or any ritual feasts. Rendang also plays a gastro-diplomacy function, whereby serving guests with Rendang bestows the highest appreciation to the guests. Due to its slow-cook method combined with tons of spices resulting in a dried caramelized stew, Rendang naturally can have a shelf life of up to 2 months, making it a perfect thoughtful gift for friends and families.
While Beef Rendang is the most popular one, Minangkabau people have hundreds of Rendang varieties that are differentiated by the type of main ingredients, selection of spices, cooking methods, texture, and size profile. From the animal-based main ingredients to the vegan ones, they all have it. Each region within Minangkabau has its style of Rendang, and even each household might come up with its signature Rendang. Taking the benefit of hundreds of Rendang varieties, Katuju has created “Rendang Wheel of Flavors” to enable the customization of flavors according to the preferred palates of global customers.
In the local Minang dialect, Katuju means the 5 senses expression in appreciating something that we are fond of. Katuju represents the senses of taste, visual, sound, smell, and texture as a whole. With a wide range of culinary products, Katuju carries the wisdom about the humanitarian mission and sustainability that was passed down from our ancestors. Through collaboration with Javara, Katuju develops Rendang series to cater to the quest of global gourmands.
Katuju’s Rendang Variants
- Banana Blossom
The unique taste and texture, good nutritional content, and abundant resources make banana blossom one of the ingredients for rendang. Katuju hopes to add value to the banana blossom as a superfood that becomes an alternative dish. In addition to its great quality, Banana Blossom Vegan Rendang is also processed with great detail to food safety and security aspects so that it is safe and healthy for consumption.
- Broad Bean
The distinctive taste of beans, thick meat, and moist texture make Broad Bean a tasty rendang ingredient originating from Surian, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Generally, Broad Beans are known as a vegetable food and grow vines so that they can be planted optimally on limited land. With the right method, Katuju can process it into a rendang. Without changing the original taste, the spices used are modified and the cooking method pays thorough attention to food safety to make Broad Bean Vegan Rendang safe for consumption and good in terms of nutrition.
- Jengkol
The unique taste and texture, good nutritional content, and abundant resources make banana blossom one of the ingredients for rendang. Katuju hopes to add value to the banana blossom as a superfood that becomes an alternative dish. In addition to its great quality, Banana Blossom Vegan Rendang is also processed with great detail to food safety and security aspects so that it is safe and healthy for consumption.
Pulled Beef
In the Minang language, Pulled Beef Rendang is called Runtiah Rendang which has a slightly different making process from other rendang in general. The meat is not cut into squares. Instead, the meat chosen is the one with long fiber because it will be shredded or diruntiah. The texture of the meat from this rendang is in the form of dry strands and is seasoned with strong rendang spices. The pulled beef rendang is very popular among children because it is not too spicy and easy to bite. Katuju processes Pulled Beef Rendang safely with thorough attention to food safety aspects so that it is safe for consumption.
- Chicken
Chicken is chosen as one of the main ingredients for rendang because of its abundant availability and is very popular as a side dish. Katuju carefully selects chicken of the right age and weight, so that it can meet the taste and nutritional criteria expected for rendang. With a blend of real spices and tender boneless meat, this Chicken Rendang is surely special!
Can you imagine how delicious and nutritious are the rendang variants above? For more info about Katuju Rendang, contact us now!
