Tender Beef Massaman Curry Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Spice-laden aromas waft through the kitchen as this rich and tender slow cooked beef massaman curry simmers gently, promising a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Thailand.

Layers of complex flavors meld together, creating a deeply satisfying dish that tells a story of tradition and comfort.

Fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise dance with soft, melt-in-your-mouth beef, coaxing out incredible depth in every single bite.

Coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the warmth of traditional Thai spices, making this curry a true masterpiece of home cooking.

Each spoonful brings a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that transport you straight to Southeast Asian kitchens.

The slow cooking method ensures that every piece of meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with rich, aromatic spices.

Step by Step Beef Massaman Curry Preparation

• Spice Blend Foundation

Create a robust flavor base by grinding traditional Thai spices into a smooth, aromatic paste that captures the essence of Massaman curry’s complex profile.

• Meat Preparation

Sear beef pieces in hot oil, developing a golden crust that locks in rich, deep flavors and creates delightful caramelized edges.

• Liquid Integration

Pour coconut milk and savory stock into the pan, allowing the meat to gently simmer and absorb the intricate spice blend over low heat for a tender transformation.

• Potato Infusion

Introduce soft potato chunks that will soak up the luxurious curry sauce, creating pillowy bites of pure comfort and depth.

• Flavor Enhancement

Finish the dish with a splash of bright lime juice and scatter fresh herbs, transforming the curry into a vibrant culinary experience that tingles every taste sensation.

Tips for Adjusting Flavor in Beef Massaman Curry

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Meat Magic: Swap beef with lamb, chicken, or tofu for a different protein experience. Each option brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to the curry.
• Spice Control: Adjust the heat by modifying the number of chillies in the paste. For a milder version, remove the seeds or use fewer chillies; for extra kick, add more bird's eye chillies.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the curry by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or baby spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This adds nutrition and creates a more complex dish.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month for a convenient meal.
• Texture Twist: For a thicker curry, crush some of the potatoes near the end of cooking to create a more luxurious, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the meat.

Beef Massaman Curry Presentation Ideas for Serving

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty curry as a comforting weekend meal that brings everyone together with its warm, aromatic flavors.
• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this elegant curry in beautiful ceramic bowls, paired with crisp white wine or cold Thai beer to enhance the dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining curry in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight – making next-day lunches even more delicious and convenient.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Create a versatile meal by serving the curry over different grains like jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the meal exciting and adaptable.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Massaman Curry

• Batch Cooking Strategy: Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, stress-free meals during busy weeks. Separate into individual servings for convenient reheating.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover curry in sealed containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Keep rice and curry separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy grains.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: This curry freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Remove air from containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain rich flavor profiles when thawed.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm curry on stovetop with a splash of additional coconut milk to restore moisture and revive original creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent meat becoming tough and separated.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Slow Cooked Beef Massaman Curry Ingredient Checklist

• Red Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that deepens the curry's complexity.
• Mild Red Chillies: Adds gentle heat and vibrant color without overwhelming spiciness.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, earthy undertones that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Coriander Stalks: Introduces a bright, herbaceous note with subtle citrusy hints.

• Ground Coriander, Cumin: Creates warm, aromatic backbone with traditional Thai curry depth.
• Ground Cinnamon, White Pepper: Brings subtle warmth and gentle background heat.
• Shrimp Paste: Optional umami booster that adds traditional Southeast Asian complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Balances spices with gentle caramel-like sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all flavor elements.

• Braising Beef: Choose well-marbled chuck for tender, melt-in-mouth texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium for initial meat searing.
• Cornflour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth, luxurious consistency.
• Beef Stock: Builds rich, deep meaty foundation for the curry.
• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, luxurious base with subtle tropical undertones.
• Baby New Potatoes: Adds hearty texture and absorbs curry's complex flavors.
• Lime Juice: Brightens and lifts entire dish with tangy freshness.

• Boiled Rice: Perfect neutral canvas for absorbing curry's rich flavors.

Must Have Tools for Beef Massaman Curry Cooking

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, flavorful Massaman paste by combining all ingredients.
• Large Pan: Perfect for browning beef and developing deep, rich flavors before slow cooking.
• Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering beef with stock and coconut milk, ensuring tender meat.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for prepping ingredients like lemongrass, chillies, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping ingredients and preparing garnishes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure spices and other ingredients for balanced flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking process.

Hearty Slow Cooked Beef Massaman Curry Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich Malaysian slow cooked beef massaman curry blends complex spices with tender meat, creating a hearty culinary experience. Warm coconut milk and aromatic herbs complement succulent beef, inviting chefs to savor deep, layered flavors from traditional Thai-influenced cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) braising beef (beef chuck), chopped into chunks
• 400 g (14 oz) baby new potatoes, halved if large
• 2 sticks of lemongrass, inner parts finely chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 mild red chillies, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 small bunch of fresh coriander stalks
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) beef stock
• 400 g (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1.5 tbsps cornflour
• 3 tsp fish sauce (ensure gluten-free)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp white pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional, check for gluten-free)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Boiled rice
• Chopped fresh coriander
• Chopped red chillies
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Paste Preparation: Pulse lemongrass, shallots, garlic, ginger, dried chillies, coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon in a food processor until a smooth, aromatic paste forms, releasing intense, layered flavors.
2. Meat Preparation: Coat beef in cornflour, salt, and pepper, then sear in a scorching hot pan until achieving a caramelized, golden-brown crust that seals in succulence and develops rich depth.
3. Spice Infusion: Reduce heat and introduce the freshly crafted Massaman paste, thoroughly coating the meat and allowing spices to bloom, releasing their intricate essential oils and creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Liquid Base: Pour beef stock and coconut milk into the pan, creating a velvety, fragrant liquid that will gently braise the meat, encouraging tenderness and flavor absorption during a slow-cooking journey.
5. Slow Cooking: Simmer the curry covered on low heat for approximately 90 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent adhering and ensure even flavor distribution, transforming the tough meat into meltingly soft morsels.
6. Potato Integration: Add whole potatoes during the final cooking stage, allowing them to luxuriate in the spice-laden sauce, absorbing the complex flavor profile while becoming perfectly yielding and creamy.
7. Final Flourish: Drizzle fresh lime juice into the curry, introducing a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce, then garnish with fresh coriander, sliced red chillies, and lime wedges.
8. Serving: Elegantly ladle the Massaman curry over fragrant jasmine rice, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Thai cuisine.

Notes

• Blend Massaman Paste Carefully: Create an authentic base by processing ingredients until smooth, ensuring maximum fragrance and depth of flavor for the curry.
• Sear Beef to Perfection: Use high heat and cornflour coating to develop a golden-brown crust, sealing in moisture and creating rich caramelized notes.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Gently simmer the curry to allow spices to bloom and meat to become incredibly tender, preventing burning or tough texture.
• Finish with Fresh Brightness: Add lime juice and garnishes just before serving to introduce vibrant, fresh elements that balance the rich, creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg