Authentic Thai Red Beef Curry
Elevate your culinary skills with this Authentic Thai Red Beef Curry, featuring a homemade red curry paste that provides a rich, authentic taste reminiscent of traditional Thai kitchens. The preparation involves aromatic spices and fresh ingredients that not only enhance the flavors but also make the cooking process an enjoyable experience. Make it your own by substituting the tender beef steak with shrimp, adding a tropical twist with pineapple chunks for a delightful contrast. Don't skimp on the fresh basil, as its fragrance will take this dish to the next level. Perfect for sharing, this recipe serves 2-4 people and pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Beef Steak
1 lb (thinly sliced)
Garlic (finely chopped)
2 cloves (chopped)
Red Curry Paste
2 tablespoons (homemade paste)
Coconut Cream
10 ounces (none)
Beef Stock
3/4 cup (none)
Thai Fish Sauce
1 - 2 tablespoons (to taste)
Brown Sugar
2 - 3 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh Red Chilies
2 (seeded and sliced diagonally (optional))
Fresh Coconut Shavings
4 ounces (optional)
Baby Spinach Leaves
3 ounces (none)
Fresh Basil Leaves
20 leaves (whole)
Dried Red Chilies
6 large (seeded and roughly chopped)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Galangal (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon (substitute fresh ginger if needed)
Lemongrass (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons (none)
Shallots (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons (none)
Coriander Seed
1 tablespoon (none)
Cumin Seed
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried Shrimp Paste
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
To prepare the Nam Prik Gaeng Daeng paste, begin by pounded together all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle, adding each ingredient sequentially. Alternatively, use a stick blender for ease—blend everything with a few drops of water until smooth.
2
Heat a wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil. In batches, stir-fry the thinly sliced beef for 1 minute each until just browned, then remove and set aside.
3
In the same wok, sauté the finely chopped garlic until golden brown. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared curry paste and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4
Pour in the coconut cream, stirring well and bringing the mixture to a boil. Gradually stir in the beef stock and wait until it returns to a boil, stirring continuously.
5
Lower the heat to a simmer and incorporate the Thai fish sauce, brown sugar, sliced red chilies (if using), coconut shavings (if desired), and baby spinach leaves. Heat gently until the spinach wilts.
6
Finally, just before serving, mix in the fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
7
Serve hot over jasmine rice for an authentic Thai dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Thai Red Beef Curry?
It is a traditional Thai dish featuring a rich, aromatic red curry base, tender beef, and coconut cream, typically served with jasmine rice.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 2 and 4 people.
What is the name of the homemade red curry paste used?
The homemade red curry paste is called Nam Prik Gaeng Daeng.
Can I use a blender to make the curry paste?
Yes, you can use a stick blender with a few drops of water until the mixture is smooth if you do not have a mortar and pestle.
What type of meat is recommended for this curry?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of beef steak, thinly sliced.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the beef steak with shrimp for a different flavor profile.
What fruit can be added for a tropical twist?
Adding pineapple chunks provides a delightful tropical contrast to the savory beef.
What can I use if I cannot find galangal?
Fresh ginger can be used as a substitute for galangal if needed.
How should the beef be cooked?
The beef should be stir-fried in batches over high heat for about 1 minute until just browned.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended for stir-frying the beef and sautéing the garlic.
How much garlic is needed for the wok?
You need 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic for the initial sautéing in the wok.
How much coconut cream is required?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of coconut cream.
What kind of stock is used in the sauce?
3/4 cup of beef stock is used to build the curry sauce.
What provides the salty flavor in this curry?
Thai fish sauce is used to add saltiness, with 1 to 2 tablespoons recommended to taste.
What sweetener is used in the recipe?
Brown sugar is used to balance the flavors, typically 2 to 3 teaspoons to taste.
When should the spinach be added?
Baby spinach leaves should be incorporated while the sauce is simmering and heated gently until they wilt.
What is the purpose of adding fresh basil?
Fresh basil leaves provide a burst of fragrance and flavor that elevates the dish just before serving.
How many dried red chilies are needed for the paste?
The paste requires 6 large dried red chilies, seeded and roughly chopped.
Is there salt in the curry paste?
Yes, 3/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the paste preparation.
How much lemongrass is in the paste?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped lemongrass.
How many shallots are needed for the paste?
3 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots are used in the curry paste.
What spices are used in the Nam Prik Gaeng Daeng?
The spices include 1 tablespoon of coriander seed and 1 teaspoon of cumin seed.
What is the role of dried shrimp paste?
1 teaspoon of dried shrimp paste is added to the curry paste to provide authentic depth and umami.
Can I add extra heat to the dish?
Yes, you can add 2 fresh red chilies, seeded and sliced diagonally, for extra spiciness.
Are coconut shavings mandatory?
No, 4 ounces of fresh coconut shavings are an optional addition for texture.
How do I prepare the garlic for the paste?
For the paste itself, you use 3 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic.
How should the ingredients be added to the mortar?
Ingredients should be added and pounded together sequentially for the best texture.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to mix in 20 fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
What side dish is recommended?
This curry pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that helps elevate culinary skills through simple stir-frying and blending techniques.