Thai-style Beef Curry

Thai-style Beef Curry Recipe | Ingredients & Steps | Origin: Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai-style Beef Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender beef with a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors in their meals.

History

Thai-style Beef Curry is a traditional Thai dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of curry paste, coconut milk, and fragrant spices is a staple in Thai cuisine and is loved for its bold and complex flavors.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) curry paste or powder
1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 inch (3 cm) pieces
2 bay (laurel) leaves
1.5 cup (375 ml) coconut milk
1.5 cup (375 ml) beef stock
3 tbsp (45 ml) Asian fish sauce (nam pla, nuoc mam)
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime or lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 lb (450 g) new potatoes, halved
0.25 lb (110 g) pearl onions, peeled
0.25 lb (110 g) green beans (haricots), halved
1 red bell pepper (capsicum) cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped, plus additional for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the curry paste for approximately 30 seconds.
Add the beef and sauté until it is lightly browned and coated with the curry mixture.
Add the bay leaves, coconut milk, and beef broth, and bring it to a boil.
Simmer covered until the beef becomes tender, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Add the onions and potatoes, and cook covered for 10 minutes.
Include the green beans, bell pepper, and peanuts, and simmer covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the meat and vegetables along with the broth, garnished with chopped peanuts if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or bamboo shoots for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef before adding it to the curry mixture to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of curry paste or powder to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

- Be sure to simmer the curry covered to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Thai-style Beef Curry is best served over steamed jasmine rice or with a side of warm naan bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the curry paste to release its flavors before adding the beef.

- Simmer the curry covered to allow the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red curry paste for a spicier version of the dish.

- Substitute cashews or almonds for peanuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Thai-style Beef Curry can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Thai-style Beef Curry with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced red chilies, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Thai-style Beef Curry with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance out the richness of the curry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Thai-style Beef Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the curry in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 30g per serving

Saturated Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Thai-style Beef Curry is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Thai-style Beef Curry is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thai-style Beef Curry is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and creamy coconut curry sauce and tender beef, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. I had always been a fan of Thai cuisine, with its bold flavors and exotic spices. So when my dear friend, Mrs. Chang, shared her recipe for Thai-style Beef Curry with me, I knew I had to try it.

Mrs. Chang was a wonderful cook, and she had learned the art of Thai cooking from her own grandmother. She had traveled extensively throughout Thailand, learning from the locals and immersing herself in the culture. Her recipes were always authentic and delicious, and I was eager to learn from her.

I remember the day she invited me over to her house to teach me how to make this curry. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk. Mrs. Chang greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and we got straight to work.

The first step was to prepare the curry paste. Mrs. Chang showed me how to grind together fresh lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and Thai chilies until they formed a smooth paste. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Next, we browned the beef in a hot pan until it was golden and crispy. The sizzle of the meat as it hit the pan was music to my ears, and I knew we were onto something special. Once the beef was cooked through, we added the curry paste and let it simmer with coconut milk until it thickened and the flavors melded together.

As the curry bubbled away on the stove, Mrs. Chang shared stories of her time in Thailand. She told me about the bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and vegetables, the street vendors selling fragrant curries and spicy noodles, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people. I listened intently, hanging on her every word and feeling inspired by her passion for food and culture.

Finally, it was time to taste the curry. Mrs. Chang ladled a generous portion into a bowl and handed it to me with a smile. The first bite was a revelation - rich, spicy, and bursting with flavor. The beef was tender, the sauce velvety smooth, and the heat from the chilies lingered on my tongue. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands. Mrs. Chang beamed with pride as she watched me savor every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

After that day, I made Thai-style Beef Curry regularly for my family and friends. They raved about the flavors and begged me for the recipe. I always credited Mrs. Chang for teaching me the secrets of Thai cooking and shared her stories along with the dish.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the bond I shared with Mrs. Chang, the joy of learning something new, and the magic of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.

So whenever I make Thai-style Beef Curry, I think of Mrs. Chang and her love for food and culture. I am grateful for her wisdom and generosity in sharing this recipe with me, and I hope to pass it on to future generations so they too can experience the magic of Thai cuisine.