Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Vindaloo Paste:
- 8-10 dried red chilies, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 6-8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1.5 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons jaggery or brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef Combine beef cubes with white vinegar, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and salt in a large bowl. Massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 2: Prepare the Vindaloo Spice Paste Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a blender along with drained red chilies, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, and 3 tablespoons vinegar. Blend into a smooth, thick paste.
Step 3: Sear the Marinated Beef Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the marinated beef until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Curry Base In the same pot, add remaining oil and sauté sliced onions over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Add the prepared vindaloo paste and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes until oil separates from the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection Return seared beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add beef broth, jaggery, and additional salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened beautifully. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For less spicy version, reduce dried red chilies to 4-5
- Vindaloo tastes even better the next day as flavors meld
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers
- Substitute beef with chicken thighs for a lighter option
- Fresh whole spices deliver 60% more flavor than pre-ground
- Don’t skip the searing step – it creates essential depth
- Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, and cucumber raita
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Entree, Main Course
- Method: Braising, Marinating, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Goan, Indian, Indo-Portuguese
- Diet: Halal
