Crab and Egg Stir Fry Rice Bowl – Creamy, Comforting, and So Easy to Make!

on
0

Slow Cooked Beef Massaman Curry – Thai Comfort Food with a Rich, Spicy Twist

on

If you're craving a hearty, slow-cooked meal bursting with exotic spices and tender meat, this Beef Massaman Curry is your answer. Made with a rich blend of Thai curry paste, coconut milk, and fragrant spices, this comforting dish simmers to perfection in a slow cooker. Whether you're new to Thai cuisine or a long-time fan, this recipe offers an approachable way to enjoy a deeply flavorful curry from the comfort of your home.

Massaman curry is a beautiful marriage of Thai and Persian flavors—a dish historically influenced by trade and cultural exchange. Unlike the fiery heat of green or red Thai curries, massaman is warm, aromatic, and gently spiced. The slow cooking transforms humble chuck steak into fall-apart-tender bites soaked in a creamy, nutty, slightly sweet sauce layered with cinnamon, cardamom, and tamarind. Potatoes and carrots add bulk and sweetness, while kaffir lime leaves infuse a citrusy fragrance that elevates the dish. When served with rice and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and coriander, it’s a meal that soothes the soul. It’s also ideal for batch cooking—this curry freezes beautifully and even tastes better the next day!

Key Ingredients & Their Roles:

  • Beef (chuck or casserole steak) → Breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, becoming meltingly tender.
  • Massaman curry paste → Provides the base flavor—earthy, rich, with a subtle heat and complexity.
  • Coconut milk → Gives the curry its creamy texture and balances the spices.
  • Cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, kaffir lime leaves → Add depth and warmth with floral, woody, and citrusy notes.
  • Tamarind paste & brown sugar → Balance sweet and tangy for a signature massaman taste.
  • Fish sauce → Adds umami and depth.
  • Potatoes & carrots → Soak up the curry while adding texture and sweetness.
  • Cornflour → Helps seal and slightly thicken the beef during the searing step.








Slow Cooked Beef Massaman Curry Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high) |Total Time: Up to 10.5 hours | Cuisine Type: Thai-Inspired | Calories (Estimate): ~550 per serving |
Serving Size: Serves 6

 

Ingredients:

  • 1.2 kg beef chuck or casserole steak, cut into chunks (2.6 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 jar (195g / ~7 oz) massaman curry paste
  • 6 cardamom pods, bruised
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 500 ml coconut milk (2 cups)
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 carrots, thickly sliced
  • 2 onions, cut into thick wedges
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 beef stock cube
  • Cooked jasmine rice, to serve
  • Chopped coriander leaves, red chilli, and crushed peanuts (optional garnish)

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Chop potatoes, carrots, and onions. Set aside.
  2. Coat Beef: Toss the beef chunks in cornflour until well coated.
  3. Sear Beef: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
  4. Sauté Base: In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed. Cook onion and garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Add Curry Paste & Coconut Milk: Stir in the curry paste and coconut milk. Simmer for 3 minutes.
  6. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Add beef, vegetables, curry mixture, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and kaffir lime leaves.
  7. Season: Stir in fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and beef stock cube.
  8. Cook:
    • On LOW for 8–10 hours, or
    • On HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  9. Final Touch: Once cooked, discard cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and kaffir lime leaves.
  10. Serve: With steamed rice, coriander, chilli, and chopped peanuts.

🔄 Alternate Cooking Methods

 

Stovetop Method

  1. Follow steps 1–5 as above.
  2. Place all ingredients in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Add an extra 1 cup (250 ml) of beef stock or water, since stovetop cooking causes more evaporation.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
  5. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick during cooking.

Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
  2. Follow steps 1–5 as above.
  3. Transfer everything to an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid.
  4. Add an extra ½ cup (125 ml) of beef stock or water to compensate for evaporation.
  5. Cover and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally. Stir once or twice and add a little liquid if needed.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions:

  • No Slow Cooker? Simmer on low heat in a heavy pot or Dutch oven for about 2.5–3 hours.
  • Beef Substitution: Lamb shoulder works well for a twist.
  • Make It Vegan: Replace beef with chickpeas and firm tofu, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
  • Tamarind Tip: If tamarind paste isn’t available, use a splash of lime juice with a touch of sugar.
  • Time-Saver: Chop all veggies and marinate beef the night before for easy morning assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

Q2. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q3. What can I use instead of tamarind paste?
Try lime juice with a pinch of brown sugar as a quick alternative.

Q4. Do I need to sear the beef first?
Yes, it adds a richer flavor and helps seal the juices.

Q5. Is it spicy?
Massaman curry is generally mild compared to other Thai curries. You can adjust heat with less curry paste or more coconut milk.

Wrap-Up:

This slow-cooked Beef Massaman Curry is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or weekend meal prep. If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments! What's your favorite Thai dish to make at home?
👉 Also check out my Apricot ChickenCurry for another fruity and savory twist!

Keywords (키워드):

beef massaman curry, slow cooker curry, Thai beef curry, easy massaman curry recipe, massaman curry with coconut milk, Thai comfort food, make-ahead curry recipe, 태국식 커리, 슬로우쿠커 커리, 마사만 커리, 쇠고기 커리 레시피

 

Comments

Post a Comment