Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-rendang-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Rendang Vegetarian? (Beef Slow-Cooked in Coconut)

Rendang is beef simmered for hours in coconut milk and spices, which makes it rich and unmistakably
meaty. The plant-based version swaps the beef for jackfruit or tofu. Here is how to tell them apart.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Rendang is usually not vegetarian: the classic is beef (or chicken) slow-cooked in coconut and spices.
> - The spice paste and coconut milk are plant-based; the meat is the non-veg part.
> - Jackfruit, tofu, tempeh and potato rendang are the common plant-based versions.
> - Check jarred or packet rendang for shrimp paste or fish sauce.

**TL;DR: Rendang is usually not vegetarian: the classic is beef (or chicken) slow-cooked in
coconut milk and spices.** Vegetable rendang made with jackfruit, tofu or potato is a common
plant-based version.

## What rendang is

Rendang is an Indonesian/Malaysian dish of meat simmered for hours in coconut milk and a spice
paste (chili, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, shallot, turmeric). The classic protein is **beef**;
chicken rendang is also common.

The spice paste and coconut milk are plant-based: the meat is the non-veg part. A few rendang
recipes include shrimp paste or fish sauce, but that's less common than in other Southeast Asian
dishes.

## The vegetarian version

- **Jackfruit rendang**: the most popular vegan swap (young green jackfruit mimics shredded meat).
- **Tofu or tempeh rendang.**
- **Potato rendang.**

Check the label for shrimp paste or fish sauce if you're ordering from a jar or packet.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** No for beef/chicken rendang: order jackfruit, tofu or potato rendang.
- **Vegan?** Same, and confirm no fish/shrimp paste.

See our [Rendang dish guide](/food/malaysia/country-malaysia-rendang/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*