Prepare yourself for a culinary journey to northeastern Thailand with this recipe for Isan-style stewed beef shank, known as Nong Lai Beef Curry. This fiery and flavorful dish showcases the vibrant spices and unique cooking techniques of the region, resulting in incredibly tender beef that melts in your mouth. The rich, aromatic curry boasts a complex blend of chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, creating a symphony of taste that's both intensely satisfying and surprisingly addictive. Forget bland beef stews; this is an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
The secret to Nong Lai's incredible tenderness lies in a slow, gentle simmering process that allows the beef to absorb the intense flavors of the curry paste. Ready to experience the authentic taste of Isan? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and recreate this unforgettable dish in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
Ingredients
- Beef shank
- Lemongrass
- Eggplant
- Chili
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Fish sauce
- Cow's blood (fresh)
- Powdered cow's milk
- Raisins
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Betel leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Spring onions
- Salt
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Aromatics
- Prepare the ingredients. Cut the beef shank into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut lemongrass into thin slices.
- Cut the eggplant in half, then into smaller pieces as desired. Soak in salted water.
- Pound lemongrass, chili, garlic, and shallots in a mortar until coarsely chopped.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Build the Curry Base
- In a pot over low heat, boil the beef shank. Add the pounded curry paste, fresh cow's blood, powdered cow's milk, and fish sauce. Stir-fry until blended.
- Add raisins and a little more chili.
Step 3. Simmer with Vegetables and Herbs
- Add kaffir lime leaves and eggplant. Mix well and add water. Skim off any foam.
- Continue boiling until the eggplant is cooked. Add stir-fried vegetables, betel leaves, coriander leaves, spring onions, and coriander.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Continue boiling and stirring until the vegetables are cooked through.
Read more: Thai Beef Stew with Rice: A Melts-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Tips
- Ms. Moo uses a budget of no more than 200 baht for this recipe, feeding 7-8 people.
- This recipe is easy to make and very delicious.
- The recipe is full of various vegetables, good for your health.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
While beef shank is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just increase the cooking time to ensure it becomes tender.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies in the curry paste. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chilies like Anaheim peppers instead of bird's eye chilies.
3. What can I serve this curry with?
Nong Lai Beef Curry is delicious served with sticky rice, fresh vegetables like cucumber and green papaya salad (Som Tum), and perhaps some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This Isan-style Nong Lai Beef Curry recipe is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of northeastern Thailand, offering a bold and unforgettable flavor experience. We hope you enjoyed the journey of creating this aromatic and intensely flavorful dish. Now, gather your friends and family and savor the delicious results of your culinary adventure!