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Slow-Cooker Massaman Beef Curry Recipe

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4.4 from 6 reviews

This Slow-cooker Massaman Beef Curry is a rich, flavorful Thai curry featuring tender braised beef simmered with potatoes, onions, and aromatic spices in a creamy coconut milk-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and tangy notes, this comforting dish is served over steamed jasmine rice and garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh coriander, chili, and lime wedges for an authentic taste experience.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 20 minutes (pressure cooker)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 kg chuck steak (braising/casserole steak, can be left whole; alternatives include gravy beef, oyster blade, flat iron, or butler’s steak)
  • 114 g can Maesri Massaman Curry Paste
  • 250 ml chicken stock (or 1 cup water + 1 stock cube)
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 8 small potatoes (any variety) or 4 large potatoes, cut into 2 cm chunks (peeling optional)
  • 2 onions, sliced into thick wedges
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 star anise

To Serve

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Roti or naan bread
  • Crushed peanuts
  • ¼ bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), leaves picked
  • 1 large red chili or 2 bird’s eye chilies, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the whole chuck steak and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned on all sides. This browning step adds depth of flavor to the curry. Once browned, set the beef aside.
  2. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the Massaman curry paste, chicken stock, and coconut milk until well combined to create a flavorful sauce base.
  3. Add seasoning: Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is mixed thoroughly to balance sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
  4. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the browned beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add the potatoes followed by the sliced onions on top, layering in order.
  5. Pour sauce over: Pour the prepared curry sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables. Don’t worry if some potatoes or onions aren’t fully submerged; they will soften and meld into the sauce as it cooks.
  6. Add whole spices: Place the cinnamon sticks and star anise into the slow cooker to infuse the dish with warm, aromatic spice notes.
  7. Slow cook the curry: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Check the tenderness of the beef at the end of cooking; if it remains firm, continue to cook on high in 30-minute increments. The beef should become tender enough to easily fall apart with a fork. Use tongs to gently shred the beef into bite-sized pieces before serving.
  8. Optional pressure cooker method: Alternatively, cook the beef curry on high pressure for 1 hour. Use quick release to immediately release pressure. If the sauce appears thin, use the sauté function and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce and thicken. The beef should be tender and easy to pull apart.
  9. Serve: Spoon the Massaman beef curry over steamed jasmine rice. Accompany with roti or naan bread on the side. Garnish with crushed peanuts, fresh coriander leaves, sliced chili (if using), and lime wedges for added freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Browning the beef first is essential to develop rich flavors in the curry.
  • Using authentic Massaman curry paste like Maesri brand ensures the best flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute beef with firm tofu and use vegetable stock.
  • Roti or naan bread adds a delicious accompaniment and is perfect for scooping up the curry.
  • Adjust the chili quantity to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder curry.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (pressure cooker)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Thai

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/slow-cooker-massaman-beef-curry-recipe/