Heavenly Slow Cooker Massaman Beef Curry
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of this Heavenly Slow Cooker Massaman Beef Curry. This dish features tender beef brisket or shank slowly simmered with a blend of warm spices and creamy coconut milk. The addition of potatoes creates a satisfying texture, while the peanuts and coriander garnishes provide a delightful crunch and freshness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week, this Massaman curry is versatile, hearty, and unbelievably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Let the enticing aroma fill your home and make mealtime a special occasion. Serve it warm with basmati or jasmine rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (Oil for frying)
onions
2 large (Cut into wedges)
beef brisket (or gravy beef, or shank)
1 kg (Trimmed, cut into cubes)
salt
to taste (Season meat)
coconut cream
400 g (Use half in the pot and half in the slow cooker)
massaman curry paste
3/4-1 cup (Store-bought or homemade)
water
250 ml (For the sauce)
cinnamon sticks
4 (Whole)
bay leaves
4 (Whole)
waxy potatoes
6 (Peeled and diced into 2-3 cm cubes)
fish sauce
2-3 tablespoons (For seasoning)
grated palm sugar
2 tablespoons (For sweetness)
tamarind paste (or lemon juice)
2 tablespoons (For acidity and flavor)
roasted peanuts
4 tablespoons (Crushed, for garnish)
coriander
3 sprigs (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Trim the meat of excess fat and sinew, then cut into 2-3 cm cubes.
2
In a heavy-based pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion wedges and sauté until they are golden brown.
3
Add the beef cubes to the pot. Season with salt and continue to brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the massaman curry paste, mixing well until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Pour in half of the coconut cream and lower the heat, letting it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5
Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker to act as a bed for the beef.
6
Transfer the meat mixture from the pot to the slow cooker, layering it over the potatoes.
7
Add water, the remaining coconut cream, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Cover and set to low heat for 8 hours.
8
In the last hour of cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind paste or lemon juice. Optionally, stir in a few handfuls of crushed peanuts for added texture.
9
Once cooked, garnish the curry with crushed roasted peanuts and chopped coriander before serving.
10
Enjoy this delicious Massaman curry with steamed basmati or jasmine rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is best for Heavenly Slow Cooker Massaman Beef Curry?
Beef brisket, gravy beef, or shank are the recommended cuts for this recipe.
How long does the beef curry need to cook in the slow cooker?
The curry should be cooked on low heat for 8 hours to ensure the beef is tender.
What kind of rice is recommended to serve with this dish?
Steamed basmati or jasmine rice are ideal for serving with Massaman curry.
Can I substitute tamarind paste if I do not have any?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice as a substitute for tamarind paste.
What are the suggested garnishes for this Massaman curry?
The dish is best garnished with crushed roasted peanuts and freshly chopped coriander.
How many potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 waxy potatoes, peeled and diced into 2-3 cm cubes.
Why should I brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
Browning the meat on all sides for 5-7 minutes enhances the flavor and locks in juices.
How much coconut cream is used in total?
A total of 400 grams of coconut cream is used, split between the pot and the slow cooker.
When should I add the cinnamon sticks?
Cinnamon sticks are added to the slow cooker along with the water, remaining coconut cream, and bay leaves.
How should the onions be prepared?
Two large onions should be cut into wedges and sautéed until golden brown.
Is it okay to use store-bought Massaman curry paste?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade Massaman curry paste.
What is the weight of the beef required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 kg of beef.
What is the purpose of placing potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker?
The potatoes act as a bed for the beef, ensuring they cook thoroughly while absorbing the flavors.
When do I adjust the seasoning with fish sauce and sugar?
You should taste and adjust the seasoning during the last hour of cooking.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
250 ml of water is added to help create the sauce.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat and onions?
One tablespoon of peanut oil is used for frying.
How many cinnamon sticks are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 whole cinnamon sticks.
What provides the sweetness in this Massaman curry?
Two tablespoons of grated palm sugar are added for sweetness.
What ingredient provides the salty and savory depth?
Fish sauce, used for seasoning, provides the salty depth.
How large should the beef cubes be?
The meat should be cut into 2-3 cm cubes.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 whole bay leaves.
Can I add peanuts directly into the sauce?
Yes, you can stir in a few handfuls of crushed peanuts during the last hour of cooking for added texture.
What is the suggested amount of curry paste?
You should use 3/4 to 1 cup of Massaman curry paste.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not specified, 1 kg of beef typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
What makes this a good meal prep option?
Its hearty nature and ability to develop flavor over time make it great for reheating.
What type of cuisine is Massaman curry?
It is a classic dish within Asian cuisine, known for its rich and aromatic spices.
Is the beef fat left on?
No, the meat should be trimmed of excess fat and sinew before cubing.
How should the coriander be prepared?
Three sprigs of coriander should be chopped and used as a fresh garnish.
Do I use all the coconut cream at once?
No, half is simmered with the curry paste and the other half is added to the slow cooker.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as unbelievably easy and perfect for busy weeknights.