Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly quick to make? Look no further than this Beef Coconut Curry recipe! This dish perfectly balances rich, savory beef with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk, creating a healthy and delicious dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both impressive and easy to achieve, making it one of the best recipes for those looking for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
-
Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Bloom Spices: Add the curry powder, red curry paste, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromas. This process, called blooming, enhances the flavor of the spices.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes.
-
Adjust and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Beef Coconut Curry:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding the pot will result in steaming instead of searing.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of this curry relies heavily on the quality of your spices and coconut milk. Look for fresh spices and full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of red curry paste and cayenne pepper. For a spicier dish, add more.
- Make it ahead: This curry tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas. Add them along with the bell peppers.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken or chickpeas for the beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy curry, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy beef coconut curry recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals you can easily prepare at home. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, impressing friends and family with minimal effort. Enjoy!