Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Jamaica? Then look no further! This Jamaican Curry Beef recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and sweet, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a more leisurely weekend cook-up. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean, right in your own home! This recipe is packed with flavor and is a great example of delicious and healthy meals you can easily make.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (or less, to taste – adjust for spice level!)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step helps develop a deeper flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper (adjust the amount depending on your spice preference), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Bloom Spices: Add the curry powder, cumin, brown sugar, allspice, and turmeric to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This simple step significantly enhances the flavor of your curry.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, beef broth, red and green bell peppers, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
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Serve: Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Jamaican Curry Beef:
- Marinate the beef: For extra tender and flavorful beef, marinate it in a mixture of some of the spices (curry powder, cumin, allspice) and a little oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the beef browns properly.
- Adjust the spice level: The amount of scotch bonnet pepper is completely up to you. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier curry.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the quality of your spices and ingredients, the better your curry will taste.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas to your curry.
- Use different cuts of beef: You can also use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply sear the beef, sauté the aromatics and spices, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Jamaica! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, offering homemade cooking at its best. It's truly one of the best recipes you'll find for a flavorful and satisfying curry.