Thai massaman beef curry

Thai Massaman Beef Curry combines creamy coconut milk with aromatic spices, tender beef, and potatoes for a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This rich dish simmers for an hour, building deep flavor and tenderness in the beef.

10 Dec 2025
Cook time 100 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
1/3 cup curry paste
2 lb beef
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp ginger root
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cinnamon stick
2 red hot chili peppers
2 bay leafs
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce
1/3 cup peanuts
2 potatoes

Thai Massaman Beef Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the best of Thai and Indian cuisine. Known for its creamy coconut milk base, aromatic spices, and tender chunks of beef, this curry is a favorite for many. With ingredients like red curry paste, cinnamon, and fish sauce, this recipe brings a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will excite your taste buds.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Mince the ginger.
- Slice the red hot chili peppers.
- Peel and cube the potatoes.
- Roughly chop the peanuts.
- Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks.

2. Cook the Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Curry Paste:
- Add the Massaman curry paste to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes to release its flavors.

5. Brown the Beef:
- Add the beef chunks to the pot and cook until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Simmer the Curry:
- Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth.
- Add the cinnamon stick, sliced red hot chili peppers, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.

7. Potatoes and Flavoring:
- Add the cubed potatoes, brown sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

8. Finish with Peanuts:
- Stir in the roughly chopped peanuts and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

9. Serve:
- Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves from the pot.
- Serve the curry hot over steamed jasmine rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Cooking Thai Massaman Beef Curry at home need not be daunting. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that rivals any restaurant offering. This recipe not only brings warmth and comfort but also offers a culinary adventure through its exotic blend of spices and ingredients. Enjoy your homemade curry with family and friends, and celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that Thai cuisine has to offer.

Thai massaman beef curry FAQ:

What is the cooking time for Thai Massaman Beef Curry?

The total cooking time for Thai Massaman Beef Curry is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. This includes 5-7 minutes for browning the beef, 1 hour for simmering until the beef is tender, and an additional 20-25 minutes to cook the potatoes.

How can I tell when the beef is done in the curry?

The beef is done when it is tender and easily breaks apart with a fork. This typically takes about 1 hour of simmering in the curry, depending on the cut of beef used.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly: chicken usually cooks faster, while tofu should be added in the last 15-20 minutes.

How should I store leftover Thai Massaman Beef Curry?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What type of curry paste can I use for this recipe?

For an authentic flavor, use Massaman curry paste. If unavailable, you can use red curry paste and add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic the spices in Massaman curry.

Tips:

- Use high-quality beef such as chuck roast or brisket for the best results. These cuts become very tender when slow-cooked.

- Toast the peanuts briefly before adding them to the curry to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.

- For a thicker curry, reduce the coconut milk slightly or simmer the curry uncovered for an extended period.

- Serve the curry with jasmine rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 1140kcal
Protein 80g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 16g
Fat 80g

Thai massaman beef curry