Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
Coconut Beef Curry Recipe is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavors to your table. This slow-braised curry is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The creamy coconut milk melds beautifully with aromatic spices, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice for an unforgettable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of coconut milk and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste that tantalizes the palate.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious curry without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep; this curry adapts well to different occasions and preferences.
- Comforting & Hearty: The tender beef chunks combined with creamy sauce make this dish cozy and filling.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste, making it suitable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you begin. Having the right equipment can streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-braising the beef, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and meat quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients
For the Beef Curry
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How to Make Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
* Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
* Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Spices and Paste
Once your aromatics are ready:
* Mix in the red curry paste, ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using).
* Cook while stirring for about 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next, add the beef chunks to the pot:
* Sear them on all sides until browned (about 5-10 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
After browning the beef:
* Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth.
* Stir in brown sugar, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer:
* Cover the pot with a lid.
* Let it cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Once your coconut beef curry is ready:
* Fluff cooked jasmine rice on serving plates.
* Ladle generous portions of curry over rice. Enjoy!
How to Serve Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
Serving Coconut Beef Curry is an opportunity to enhance its flavors and make it a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this rich and savory dish.
Over Fluffy Jasmine Rice
- Serving coconut beef curry over fluffy jasmine rice not only adds a wonderful texture but also soaks up the delicious sauce.
With Fresh Cilantro
- Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the rich curry.
Accompanied by Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over your curry for a zesty kick that brightens the overall taste.
Alongside Pickled Vegetables
- Serve with pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the beef curry.
On Warm Naan Bread
- Enjoy your curry on warm naan bread, which makes for a delightful way to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.
How to Perfect Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
Perfecting your Coconut Beef Curry is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some key tips to elevate your dish.
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Choose quality beef: Use well-marbled beef chuck, as it becomes tender and flavorful during the slow-braising process.
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Sauté aromatics first: Properly sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger builds a strong flavor base for your curry.
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Balance spices: Adjust spices like chili flakes and cinnamon according to your taste preferences for the best flavor.
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Simmer low and slow: Allowing the curry to simmer gently helps meld all the flavors together while keeping the beef tender.
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Taste before serving: Always taste your curry before serving; adjust seasoning with salt or sugar if needed for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Coconut Beef Curry can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy curry.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings a cool element, perfect for balancing the spiciness of the curry.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These bring natural sweetness and earthiness that complements the flavors of coconut beef curry nicely.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun texture and sweetness, making it an enjoyable side for any Indian-inspired meal.
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Savory Lentil Dal: A rich lentil dish pairs well, offering protein and fiber alongside your coconut beef curry.
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Fried Plantains: The sweetness of fried plantains provides an interesting contrast to the spicy notes in the curry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoiding overcooking the beef. Overcooked beef can become tough and chewy. Use a low heat and allow it to braise slowly for tenderness.
- Not using fresh spices. Stale spices can dull the flavor of your curry. Always use fresh spices for maximum taste and aroma.
- Ignoring the balance of flavors. If your curry tastes flat, adjust it with salt, sugar, or acidity. Taste as you go to find the right balance.
- Skipping the coconut milk. Coconut milk adds creaminess and richness. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for achieving a delicious curry.
- Using too much curry paste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. You can always enhance the flavor but can’t remove excess heat.
- Neglecting the resting time. Allow your curry to rest before serving to let the flavors meld together. This simple step improves overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Coconut Beef Curry Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place curry in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for this Coconut Beef Curry Recipe?
The best cut is beef chuck because it becomes tender when braised slowly.
Can I make this Coconut Beef Curry Recipe spicier?
Yes! Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat according to your preference.
How long does Coconut Beef Curry last in the refrigerator?
It can last for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Coconut Beef Curry Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute beef with jackfruit or tofu and follow the recipe as directed.
Can I use light coconut milk instead?
You can use light coconut milk; however, it may alter the creaminess of the dish slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Beef Curry Recipe is both comforting and flavorful, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. The versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or pantry staples. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!
Coconut Beef Curry
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Coconut Beef Curry Recipe, designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. This slow-braised dish combines tender chunks of beef with creamy coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices that create a delightful explosion of taste. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this curry is served over fluffy jasmine rice, making it a hearty meal that everyone will love. With its easy preparation and customizable spice levels, it’s an ideal choice to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Braising
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion until translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute.
- Stir in red curry paste, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned (5-10 minutes).
- Pour in coconut milk and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
- Serve over cooked jasmine rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
