Hearty and Flavorful Beef Curry: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef, cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 400 ml of coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups of water
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, stir well. Cook until they become soft and translucent.
  3. Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and ground coriander to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Add the beef cubes to the pot. Cook, stirring regularly, until the beef is browned on all sides.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and water, and then add the sugar and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients in the pot.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  8. Check the seasoning, add more salt if needed.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the curry.
  • Cutting board - Used to chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the beef into cubes and chopping the vegetables.
  • Stirring spoon - Used to stir and combine the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure the spices and sugar.
  • Measuring cup - Needed to measure the coconut milk and water.
  • Lid - Used to cover the pot while simmering the curry.
  • Serving bowls - Used to serve the beef curry.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Curry: Substitute the beef with chicken pieces.
  • Vegetable Curry: Omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas.
  • Lamb Curry: Swap the beef with tender pieces of lamb.
  • Seafood Curry: Use shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood instead of beef.
  • Spicy Curry: Increase the amount of curry powder or add chili flakes to make the curry more spicy.
  • Coconut-Free Curry: Replace the coconut milk with regular milk or yogurt for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegan Curry: Use tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and substitute the dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk and vegan yogurt.
  • Herb-infused Curry: Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint to enhance the flavors of the curry.
  • Creamy Curry: Stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter or cashew paste to give the curry a rich and creamy texture.
  • Curry with Rice: Serve the beef curry over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

This Beef Curry recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for those who love a good, spicy kick in their meals. It combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and creamy curry sauce made from a blend of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh tomatoes. The process of making this curry is simple yet rewarding - as the ingredients simmer and meld together, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma. This recipe will take you around 2.5 hours from start to finish, but the result is worth every minute. This beef curry is perfect served over a bed of steamed rice, and garnished with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy the journey of making this delightful dish and savor every bite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, lamb, or even tofu if you prefer.
  2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the beef with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
  3. Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder and other spices according to your taste preferences.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this beef curry ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and intensify when it sits overnight.
  5. How do I store leftovers? Allow the beef curry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  6. Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze the beef curry. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  7. What can I serve with beef curry? Beef curry goes well with steamed rice, naan bread, or even roti. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Curry, a staple in Indian cuisine, has a rich and complex history. While the term "curry" is more familiar to Western palates and is often used to refer to any dish in Indian cuisine that contains several spices mixed together, the tradition of blending spices in this way extends back thousands of years in India. The word 'curry' itself isn't used much in India, but was adopted by the British during their colonial rule over India, to categorise these types of dishes. The curry we know and love today is a result of centuries of cultural exchange and evolution. Interestingly, the popularity of curry in the Western world has led to a plethora of variations, including our recipe today, Beef Curry. Despite beef not traditionally being widely consumed in India due to religious beliefs, this recipe captures the essence of Indian spices and flavors, blended harmoniously with a meat more commonly used in Western cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.