Creamy Massaman Curry with Beef Recipe

Introduction

Massaman curry with beef is a rich and comforting dish that beautifully blends warm spices and creamy coconut milk. This Thai-inspired curry offers a tender and flavorful experience that’s perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef (chuck or brisket, for a tender bite)
• 1 can coconut milk (light coconut milk can be used for lower calories)
• 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup peanuts (check for nut allergies before serving)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (toasted for more flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (toasted for more flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon star anise (optional for warmth)
• 1 fresh lime (squeeze to enhance flavor)
• 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice (serves as a base for curry)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the beef into bite-sized cubes and gather all spices and ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, sauté the Massaman curry paste along with the ground cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the cubed beef to the pot, searing it until golden brown on all sides.
4. Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and let the curry simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
6. Step 6: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the curry, then taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.
7. Step 7: Serve the curry hot over cooked jasmine or basmati rice, topped with crushed peanuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Toast ground cinnamon and cardamom lightly in a dry pan before adding for enhanced aroma.
• Use light coconut milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• For added texture, include diced potatoes or carrots during simmering.
• Swap beef for chicken or lamb as a variation, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.

Is Massaman curry paste spicy?

Massaman curry paste has a mild to moderate heat level compared to other Thai curries, with warm spices that create a rich, fragrant flavor rather than intense spiciness.

Creamy Massaman Curry with Beef Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Massaman Curry with Beef is a rich and flavorful Thai-inspired dish that combines tender beef chunks simmered in a fragrant coconut milk and Massaman curry paste sauce. Enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, and finished with fresh lime juice and crunchy peanuts, it offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. Served over jasmine or basmati rice, it makes an ideal comforting and satisfying meal for dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Curry Base

• 2 pounds Beef (chuck or brisket), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 can Coconut Milk (use light coconut milk for fewer calories)
• 2 tablespoons Massaman Curry Paste

Spices and Flavorings

• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (toasted)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (toasted)
• 1/2 teaspoon Star Anise (optional)
• 1 Fresh Lime (juiced)

Serving

• 1/2 cup Peanuts (check for nut allergies before serving)
• 2 cups Jasmine or Basmati Rice

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the beef into bite-sized cubes and gather all spices and ingredients. Toast the ground cinnamon and ground cardamom lightly in a dry pan to enhance their aromas.
2. Sauté Curry Paste and Spices: In a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, heat over medium heat and sauté the Massaman curry paste along with the toasted cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise to release their aroma and deepen the flavors.
3. Sear the Beef: Add the cubed beef to the pot and sear it until golden brown on all sides, which helps to develop rich flavor in the curry base.
4. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine everything evenly, creating a creamy sauce for the curry.
5. Simmer the Curry: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the curry uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Finish with Lime Juice: Once the beef is tender, add the fresh lime juice to brighten the dish and adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
7. Cook the Rice: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions to serve as a base for the curry.
8. Serve: Serve the Massaman curry hot over the cooked rice, garnished with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. Confirm peanut allergies before serving.

Notes

• For a lower-calorie version, use light coconut milk.
• To boost flavor, toast the ground cinnamon and cardamom before adding to the curry.
• Check for nut allergies before adding peanuts as garnish.
• Star anise is optional but adds a warm depth to the curry.
• Massaman curry paste may vary in spiciness; adjust quantity to personal taste.
• Leftover curry tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai

Keywords: Massaman curry, beef curry, Thai curry, creamy curry, coconut milk curry, comfort food, spicy beef curry