Beef Massaman Curry Recipe

Beef Massaman Curry is a rich, aromatic Thai curry that combines tender beef with a fragrant blend of spices, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness. This curry has a mild heat level and is distinguished by its warm, earthy flavors from ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. It’s perfect for serving over rice and is a comforting dish that will transport your taste buds to Thailand. Here’s how to make a delicious Beef Massaman Curry from scratch.

Beef Massaman Curry Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14 oz/400ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup tamarind paste (or substitute with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2-3 whole star anise pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 dried bay leaves
• 1-2 dried red chilies (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the cubed beef to the pot and brown the beef on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

3. Add the Massaman Curry Paste:

• Stir in the Massaman curry paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more curry paste at this stage.

4. Add the Liquids and Spices:

• Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, stirring to combine with the curry paste and aromatics.
• Add the tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and dried red chilies (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook the Beef and Potatoes:

• Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and stir everything together.
• Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

6. Final Adjustments:

• Once the beef is tender, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you want it tangier, stir in the lime juice.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and bay leaves.

7. Serve:

• Serve the Beef Massaman Curry hot, garnished with roasted peanuts or cashews and fresh cilantro.
• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the rich sauce.

Tips:

• Beef choice: Beef stew meat or chuck roast works best as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. You can also use short ribs or brisket for a different texture.
• Massaman curry paste: You can make your own Massaman curry paste from scratch using ingredients like dried red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and spices, or use store-bought paste for convenience.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add a comforting texture to the curry, but you can also add carrots or sweet potatoes for variation.
• Adjusting spiciness: If you prefer a spicier curry, add more dried chilies or fresh Thai bird chilies to the pot. You can also increase the amount of curry paste for more heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Beef Massaman Curry with steamed rice or naan bread to mop up the rich, flavorful sauce.
• A side of Thai pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad with chili and lime can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.

This Beef Massaman Curry is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion. With its complex flavors and tender beef, it’s a dish that will impress everyone at the table! Enjoy!