Thai Beef Curry: Aromatic & Hearty Recipe

Indulge your senses in the rich, aromatic depths of authentic Thai beef curry. This vibrant dish, a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, boasts a symphony of flavors—from the fragrant kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass to the subtle sweetness of coconut milk and the fiery kick of chilies. Tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, releasing its savory essence into a luscious, creamy sauce. Beyond the tantalizing aroma and exquisite taste, this curry offers a rewarding culinary journey, perfect for both seasoned cooks and enthusiastic beginners.

This recipe balances traditional Thai ingredients with clear, accessible instructions, making it surprisingly easy to recreate this beloved dish at home. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – our step-by-step guide will lead you through every stage, ensuring a delicious, restaurant-quality Thai beef curry that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large pan or pot
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • Beef stew chunks
  • Potato: 1 large, peeled and washed
  • Carrot: 2, peeled and washed
  • Onion: 1, sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Lemongrass: 2 stalks, outer layer peeled and sliced
  • Ginger: 3 inches, peeled and sliced into large chunks
  • Cilantro: a bunch, minced
  • Coconut oil
  • Coconut milk: 1 can
  • Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Chicken stock: 1 1/4 cups
  • Lime juice: 1 lime, juiced
  • Curry powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Red chili pepper: 4-5 pieces (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

  • In a hot pan with coconut oil and minced garlic, sauté the beef until almost cooked through. Set aside.
  • Add more coconut oil to the pan. Sauté the sliced lemongrass and ginger until fragrant (about a few minutes).
  • Add the sliced onion and sauté until lightly browned.
Cook the beef: In a hot pan with coconut oil and minced garlic, sauté the beef until almost cooked through. Set aside.Sauté aromatics: Add more coconut oil to the pan. Sauté the sliced lemongrass and ginger until fragrant (about a few minutes).Add onion: Add the sliced onion and sauté until lightly browned.
Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Step 2. Combine Ingredients and Simmer

  • Add the sliced carrots and potatoes, then return the cooked beef to the pan.
  • Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, chicken stock, and lime juice. Add curry powder, salt, and chili peppers (if using). Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, covered.
Add vegetables and beef: Add the sliced carrots and potatoes, then return the cooked beef to the pan.Add liquids and spices: Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, chicken stock, and lime juice. Add curry powder, salt, and chili peppers (if using). Stir to combine.
Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Step 3. Finish and Serve

  • Turn off the heat and stir in the minced cilantro.
  • Serve the curry hot over rice.
Add cilantro: Turn off the heat and stir in the minced cilantro.Serve: Serve the curry hot over rice.
Finish and Serve

Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe

Tips

  • Use organic beef or grass-fed beef if possible.
  • Slice ginger and lemongrass into large pieces so you can easily pull them out while eating.
  • Add cilantro at the end to maintain its freshness.
  • Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-700
  • Fat: 35-45g
  • Carbs: 40-50g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of beef for this recipe?

Yes! Stewing beef, chuck roast, or even sirloin work well. Just ensure it's cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?

Don't worry! You can substitute some spices, but the core flavors (fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chilies) are essential. Adjust the amount to your taste.

3. Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! This curry tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


Enjoy the fragrant and flavorful journey this Thai beef curry recipe provides. The satisfying combination of tender beef and rich, creamy sauce is sure to become a new family favorite. Now, go forth and impress your loved ones with this delicious and authentic Thai dish!