Curried Beef

Curried Beef Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Beef is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chunks of beef with a rich and spicy curry sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and exotic spices.

History

Curried Beef has its origins in Indian cuisine, where curry dishes have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of beef and curry spices was likely influenced by the British colonial presence in India, where they developed a taste for the complex and fragrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

Beef Curry Recipe

14 oz (400 g) of lean boneless beef
2 tsp of rice wine
3 cups (750 ml) of vegetable oil for deep-frying; approximately 2.5 oz (71 g) will be used
2 oz (57 g) or 60 ml of clear stock
2 tbsp of curry oil
0.25 tsp of salt, adjust to taste
0.25 tsp of chopped ginger
0.5 tsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of chopped garlic
1 tsp of cornflour dissolved in 1 tsp of water
0.25 tsp of chopped onion
0.25 tsp of chopped hot red chile pepper

How to prepare

Cut the beef into 1-inch square chunks.
Heat the oil in a wok over low heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (180°C).
Deep-fry the beef until it is cooked through.
Remove the beef, drain it, and set it aside.
Pour out the excess oil from the wok, leaving a thin film on the bottom.
Reheat the wok until a haze appears on the surface of the oil.
Add the curry oil, ginger, garlic, onion, chili pepper, rice wine, stock, salt, MSG (optional), and sugar.
Stir the cornstarch to blend and add it to the mixture.
Add the beef and stir-fry for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Sprinkle with sesame oil and serve.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to the curry sauce.
For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of chili pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Deep-frying the beef before adding it to the curry sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Adjust the amount of salt and chili pepper to suit your personal taste preferences.

- For a milder curry flavor, you can reduce the amount of curry powder used in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Curried Beef pairs well with steamed rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the beef before adding it to the curry sauce helps to create a crispy texture and seal in the juices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or tofu as a substitute for beef in this recipe.

- If you don't have curry powder, you can use a combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the curry sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked beef before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Curried Beef with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Curried Beef pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to balance out the spicy flavors of the curry sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the Curried Beef in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Curried Beef is a protein-rich dish that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Curried Beef is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family. With its bold flavors and tender chunks of beef, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Curried Beef. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her home for a cup of tea. Little did I know that this simple gesture would lead to me discovering one of my favorite dishes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on our tea and chatting about our day, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a smile and said, "I think you'll enjoy this one, dear. It's a family favorite."

I eagerly took the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of flavorful spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, mixed with tender beef and hearty vegetables, sounded absolutely delicious. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

Mrs. Jenkins must have noticed my excitement because she offered to walk me through the recipe step by step. As we chopped the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, the kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma. I could already tell that this dish was going to be a hit.

As we added the spices and let the curry simmer on the stove, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story of how she learned to make this dish. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who had lived in India.

Her great-grandmother had traveled to India as a young woman and had fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and rich spices of the cuisine. She had learned to cook traditional Indian dishes from the local women in the village and had brought these recipes back with her to America.

Mrs. Jenkins had grown up eating curried beef at family gatherings and special occasions. It was a dish that brought back fond memories of her childhood and the time spent with her loved ones. She had continued the tradition by teaching her own children and grandchildren how to make it, passing down the recipe for future generations to enjoy.

As the curry finished cooking and we served it over a bed of fluffy white rice, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat down to enjoy our meal together. The flavors were even more incredible than I had imagined. The tender beef, the fragrant spices, and the colorful vegetables all came together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't thank Mrs. Jenkins enough for sharing this special recipe with me. It had opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors and cooking techniques. From that day on, curried beef became a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make for my own family and friends to enjoy.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with extra vegetables or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. But the essence of the dish remains the same, a delicious and comforting meal that never fails to impress.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to the magic of curried beef and for passing down a piece of her family's culinary history. It is a recipe that I will cherish and continue to make for years to come, creating new memories and traditions with each delicious bite.