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Massaman Beef Curry

A rich and mildly spiced Thai curry with tender chunks of beef simmered in coconut milk and aromatic spices, creating a comforting meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Curry Base Ingredients
  • 1.5 lb beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes Look for marbled cuts for maximum tenderness
  • 2.5 cups coconut milk Use full-fat for richness
  • 1 batch semi-homemade Massaman curry paste Quick and easy to prepare
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fish sauce Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor
  • 3 tablespoons palm sugar, chopped Brown sugar can be a substitute
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons tamarind paste Adds a tangy brightness
Vegetables and Toppings
  • 11 oz russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 0.5 large onion, cut into 0.5-inch strips
  • 0.25 cup roasted peanuts Lightly crushed for a crunchy topping
  • as needed Jasmine rice for serving Perfect base for soaking up the sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grind your whole spices into a powder if using them fresh. Mix together with your semi-homemade Massaman curry paste.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the beef and deglaze the pan with a splash of water.
Cooking
  1. Lower the heat to medium. Add 0.5 cup of coconut milk to the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the curry paste and let it thicken for a couple of minutes.
  2. Stir in the remaining coconut milk, browned beef, pan juices, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind paste. Mix well.
  3. Close your Instant Pot lid, set it to Pressure Cook for 30 minutes. Allow a natural release of 10 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
  4. Check for tenderness of the beef; it should be fork-tender. Add the potatoes, onion, and peanuts. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until veggies are cooked through.
Serving
  1. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve your Massaman Beef Curry hot, accompanied by fluffy jasmine rice.

Notes

Keep an eye on the curry during simmering; adding a splash of water can help if it thickens too much. A splash of lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors beautifully!