Ingredients
For the Beef & Curry Base:
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups bell peppers (mix red and yellow), sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup baby spinach
For Serving:
- 1.5 cups jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh Thai basil
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt on all sides. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
- Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear beef in a single layer without crowding. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until a deep, dark crust forms. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add red curry paste to the pot. Stir constantly for 90 seconds until fragrant and the color deepens. This step is non-negotiable—raw paste tastes metallic.
- Pour in coconut milk, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the fond. That browned bits = flavor.
- Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and coconut sugar. Stir to combine.
- Return beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover partially and cook for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add carrots. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and snap peas. Simmer 5 more minutes. Vegetables should remain slightly vibrant—not mushy.
- While curry finishes, prepare jasmine rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 1.25 cups water in a small pot. Bring to boil, cover, reduce to low. Cook 12 minutes. Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes undisturbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Remove curry from heat. Stir in baby spinach until just wilted.
- Discard lemongrass stalk and lime leaves.
- Serve curry over jasmine rice. Garnish generously with cilantro, Thai basil, and a lime wedge.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Curry improves overnight. Store beef and vegetables in broth, refrigerate up to 4 days. Prepare fresh rice before serving.
- Freezer instructions: Curry freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of coconut milk to revive the emulsion.
- Low-carb option: Substitute cauliflower rice. Sauté riced cauliflower in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes, finish with lime zest.
- Mild version: Use only 1 tablespoon curry paste + ½ teaspoon paprika for color without heat.
- Lemongrass substitute: 1 tablespoon frozen lemongrass paste or 1 strip lemon zest (in a pinch).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 72 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free