Curried Beef and Rice

Curried Beef and Rice Recipe - Asian Flavors at Home

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

Introduction

Curried Beef and Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender slices of beef with a rich and spicy curry sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Curried Beef and Rice is a popular dish that has its roots in Indian cuisine. The combination of beef, curry spices, and rice is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for centuries. Over time, this dish has evolved and been adapted to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile and beloved recipe around the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) flank steak, trimmed of excess fat
low fat cooking spray
0.5 cup chopped green onions
1 clove minced garlic
2 tbsp curry powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp turmeric
2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
2 cups cooked rice (or pasta)

How to prepare

Wash and cook the rice following the instructions on the package.
Cut the steak into thin slices diagonally, against the grain.
Spray a large skillet with low-fat cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
Add the green onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add the curry powder, salt, and turmeric, and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add the sliced steak to the skillet and sauté for 6–7 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Stir in the tomatoes and reduce the heat to low.
Cook for an additional 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve the cooked steak and tomato mixture over the cooked rice or pasta.

Variations

You can substitute the beef with chicken, lamb, or tofu for a different twist on this dish.
Add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences – you can always add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.

- For a richer flavor, you can marinate the beef in the curry spices for a few hours before cooking.

- To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add in some vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Curried Beef and Rice with a side of naan bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing, simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option.

- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in the curry spices ahead of time for even more flavor.

- Cook the rice or pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Curried Beef and Rice with a refreshing mango lassi or a crisp white wine like Riesling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice or pasta: 40g per serving

Fats

- Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (pasta) and soy (curry powder).

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin C. It is relatively high in fat and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Curried Beef and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. With its rich and aromatic flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from visiting a dear friend in India. She had invited me into her home and treated me to the most delicious meal I had ever tasted - curried beef and rice. I was in awe of the complex flavors and aromas that filled the air, and I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

My friend graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step and ingredient in detail. I was captivated by the intricate process of combining spices and meats to create such a harmonious dish. As I watched her cook, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Upon returning home, I immediately set out to recreate the flavors of that memorable meal. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - beef, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a plethora of spices. The aroma of the spices filled my kitchen as I sautéed the onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base for the curry.

I added the beef and let it simmer in the rich, spicy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. The addition of coconut milk added a creamy richness to the dish, balancing out the heat of the spices. I tasted a spoonful of the curry and was transported back to my friend's kitchen in India.

As the curry simmered, I prepared a pot of fluffy basmati rice to serve alongside it. The combination of the fragrant rice and spicy beef was a match made in heaven. I garnished the dish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, adding a bright, citrusy finish to the meal.

I sat down to enjoy my creation, savoring each bite of the flavorful curry. The tender beef soaked up the spices and coconut milk, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my household, a dish that would bring back memories of my time in India with every bite.

In the years that followed, I shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist to the dish. Some preferred it spicier, while others enjoyed a milder version. I experimented with different cuts of beef, adjusting the cooking time and spices to create the perfect balance of flavors.

My grandchildren grew up eating my curried beef and rice, requesting it for special occasions and family gatherings. They loved the warmth and comfort of the dish, and I loved passing on a piece of my culinary heritage to them.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my recipe, honing the flavors and techniques to create a dish that was truly my own. Each time I made it, I would think back to that warm summer day in India, when I first tasted the flavors of curried beef and rice.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing a pot of curry for my family, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. The recipe for curried beef and rice will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the friendships and flavors that have enriched my life. And as I take a bite of the rich, spicy curry, I am transported back to that moment in time, when I first fell in love with the magic of Indian cuisine.