What meat can I use if I don’t have beef?

You can substitute beef with chicken thighs, which hold up well to slow cooking, or use lamb for a richer flavor. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or additional vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.

Can I make Beef Massaman Curry Recipe without peanuts?

Yes, if you’re allergic to peanuts or simply prefer not to use them, you can either omit them or, alternatively, substitute with cashews for a similar crunch and flavor profile.

Can I use store-bought tamarind paste, or should I make it fresh?

While fresh tamarind paste will give a more vibrant flavor, store-bought tamarind paste is perfectly acceptable and much more convenient. It’s widely used and provides a good balance of sourness needed for the dish. Additionally, ensure it's pure tamarind without added sugars or preservatives for the best result.

Is Massaman Curry gluten-free?

Massaman Curry can be gluten-free, but it depends on the specific ingredients used, especially the curry paste and fish sauce. Always check labels to ensure they do not contain gluten or opt for brands known to be gluten-free.

What is the best way to store leftover Massaman Curry?

Leftover Massaman Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout. The flavors often deepen, making leftovers especially delicious.

Beef Massaman Curry: A Flavorful Thai Classic

Name: Thai Beef Massaman Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: PT-477879H16M16S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (available at Asian grocery stores); 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 cup beef broth; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 large onion, sliced; 1/2 cup roasted peanuts; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons tamarind paste; 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar); 1 cinnamon stick; 3 cardamom pods; 1 star anise; 1 bay leaf

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (available at Asian grocery stores)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup beef broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1 cinnamon stick
3 cardamom pods
1 star anise
1 bay leaf

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Instructions

Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
Cook the Curry Paste:
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the Massaman curry paste. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until it becomes aromatic.
Simmer the Curry:
- Slowly stir in half of the coconut milk, scraping up any bits stuck to the pot. Add the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, remaining coconut milk, potatoes, onions, peanuts, fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, star anise, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed. The curry should have a balanced flavor of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Serve:
- Discard the cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Serve the curry hot over steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Take time to simmer the ingredients for the best flavor in your Massaman Curry. Allow the spices to fully infuse the beef and potatoes, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. Additionally, consider making your curry a day in advance; like many stewed dishes, Massaman Curry often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.

Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 2hours
Category: Curry
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5cups
Calories: 610g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 75mg