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Indian Beef Curry Recipe

4.5 from 250 reviews

This Indian Beef Curry is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a robust blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and onions. Perfectly balanced with warming garam masala, turmeric, and chilies, this curry offers a hearty and satisfying meal best enjoyed with basmati rice, naan, or chapati.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 600 grams beef, cut into medium-sized chunks
  • ½ tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated or paste
  • 1 tsp cooking oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 2 onions (shallot or brown), finely chopped
  • 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp garlic, finely grated or garlic paste
  • Handful coriander, roughly chopped
  • 45 tbsp cooking oil (or ghee or unsalted butter)
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 2 cups warm water (enough to cover the beef)

Spices

  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp coriander powder
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 34 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: Cut the beef into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking. Season the cubes with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, grated ginger, and cooking oil. Mix thoroughly and let the beef marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Heat Spices in Oil: Warm a pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once hot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Allow them to sizzle for a few seconds to release their aromatic essential oils.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook until they become translucent and soft. Then incorporate the grated garlic and sauté for a few seconds until it turns light brown, releasing its fragrance.
  4. Add Tomatoes: Add the vine-ripened tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften completely, breaking down to form a thick base for the curry.
  5. Cook the Beef and Spices: Introduce the marinated beef cubes along with the ground spices—chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala—to the pan. Mix to combine well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to coat the beef with the spices.
  6. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in enough warm water to just cover the beef. Add salt to taste, stir everything thoroughly, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the curry becomes too thick or begins to stick.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Once the beef is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in chopped coriander for freshness. Transfer the curry to a serving dish, garnish with additional coriander, and serve hot alongside basmati rice, naan, or chapati.

Notes

  • Ensure beef cubes are cut evenly to cook uniformly.
  • Use fresh spices for a more authentic and vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of water during simmering depending on how thick or soupy you prefer the curry.
  • Marinating the beef enhances the tenderness and depth of flavor.
  • Serve with plain basmati rice, naan bread, or chapati for a complete meal.

Keywords: Indian beef curry, beef curry recipe, spicy beef curry, Indian main course, traditional Indian beef