Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 2 lbs of short rib beef, with bones removed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes, yielding about 1 1/2 lbs of meat.
How long should the beef marinate in lime juice?
The beef cubes should marinate in fresh lime juice for at least 1 hour, or longer if possible.
What kind of curry paste is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of yellow curry paste.
What fruits are used for the salsa?
The chilled salsa is made from 3/4 cup of fresh papaya and 3/4 cup of fresh mango.
How long should the papaya and mango salsa be chilled?
The diced papaya and mango should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
How is the rice prepared for this dish?
1 1/2 cups of long grain rice are cooked according to your preferred method, with 2 tablespoons of sugar added to the water if boiling.
What aromatic vegetables are included in the curry?
The curry includes one medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 finely diced jalapeno peppers.
How long does the beef need to simmer with the tomatoes?
Once the crushed tomatoes are added, the mixture should simmer covered for 45 minutes to tenderize the beef.
How are the sweet potatoes prepared?
The sweet potatoes or yams should be cut into 1/4-inch bite-size slices and steamed until just tender before being added to the curry.
When should the sweet potatoes be added to the dish?
The steamed sweet potatoes should be gently mixed into the sauce a few minutes before serving so they can heat through.
Is there an optional garnish for this tropical beef dish?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of fine shredded dried coconut can be sprinkled over the dish for an extra layer of flavor.
What size should the beef be cut into?
The beef should be cut into 3/4-inch cubes after the bones are removed.
What size should the fruit in the salsa be diced?
Both the fresh papaya and mango should be cut into 1/2-inch dice.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How much cooking oil is needed for browning?
2 tablespoons of cooking oil are used to brown the marinated beef in a skillet.
Should the jalapenos be seeded?
Yes, the 2 jalapeno peppers should be seeded and have the membranes removed before being finely diced.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
One 19-ounce can of crushed tomatoes is used for the simmering sauce.
Can I use a sugar substitute for the rice?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 tablespoons of sugar or a sugar substitute to sweeten the rice water.
How long do you cook the garlic and jalapenos?
The garlic and jalapenos should be stirred and cooked for 5 minutes until they become fragrant.
What is the first step after marinating the beef in lime juice?
The next step is to add yellow curry paste to the beef and let it rest in the fridge for enhanced flavor.
At what heat should the beef be browned?
The beef should be browned in a large skillet over medium heat.
How do you know when the onions are ready?
The onions are ready when they are translucent and just starting to brown.
How is the dish served?
A portion of curried beef is placed over a bed of rice and topped with a scoop of the chilled papaya and mango salsa.
What is the total amount of sweet potatoes used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of 1/4-inch bite-size slices of sweet potatoes or yams.
Does the recipe use bone-in or boneless beef?
The recipe uses short ribs of beef with the bones removed before cooking.
Is the salsa served hot or cold?
The papaya-mango salsa is served chilled to provide a temperature contrast to the hot beef.
How much coconut is used?
4 tablespoons of fine shredded dried coconut are used as an optional topping.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a balance of spicy Jamaican curry, zesty lime, and sweet tropical fruits.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the rice?
Sugar is added to the rice water to sweeten the grains as they cook, complementing the tropical theme.