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Tamarind Coconut Beef Curry with Jasmine Rice

Experience a burst of comforting and exotic flavors with this Tamarind Coconut Beef Curry, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich coconut sauce, paired with fragrant jasmine rice.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Curry

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or brisket), cut into chunks You can also use chicken thighs or chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste Can be substituted with lemon or lime juice, but flavor will change.
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving

For the Jasmine Rice

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

Preparation

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, and brown in batches for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, sauté onion until golden. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and tamarind paste. Return beef to the pot.

Cooking

  • Add coconut milk, diced tomatoes, beef broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  • Rinse jasmine rice, boil with 4 cups water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
  • Stir lime juice into curry, adjust seasoning.

Serving

  • Serve curry over jasmine rice, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef chunks in the spices and tamarind paste for a few hours or overnight before cooking. For added heat, include red chili flakes or sliced chili pepper with the aromatics. Ensure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.