This braised beef spicy green curry is a culinary delight that brings the exotic flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. The marriage of tender, slow-braised beef with the rich and fragrant green curry sauce creates a comfort dish that warms the soul. The gentle heat of the green curry paste combined with the creamy coconut milk and a medley of colorful veggies like green beans, broccoli, and snap peas makes this dish not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or flavorful leftovers to enjoy the next day, this recipe will surely satisfy.
Apart from its delicious taste, this braised beef spicy green curry is straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. The secret is in the slow cooking process, which allows the beef to absorb all the spices and aromas, resulting in a tender and mouthwatering dish. Serve it over jasmine rice or noodles for the ultimate dining experience, and enjoy the warm, inviting flavors that this dish has to offer. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Braised Beef Spicy Green Curry
- Exceptional Flavor: This dish is packed with an explosion of flavors thanks to the potent green curry paste and rich coconut milk.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe creates the kind of hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Nutritious:** Filled with fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice that combines health with indulgence.
- Make Ahead: The flavors improve after resting, making it an ideal candidate for leftovers to savor later.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather all necessary ingredients and tools. Begin by measuring out your ingredients; this not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that you don’t miss anything. You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy pot for searing the beef and simmering the curry. Having a good quality knife to cut the beef into chunks and chop the vegetables will also make prep easier. A wooden spoon or spatula will be useful for stirring the curry as it simmers.
Ensure your vegetables are washed and trimmed accordingly—this includes your green beans, broccoli, and snap peas. It’s also advisable to have a can opener ready for the coconut milk. Once you have everything prepped, the cooking process will feel seamless, and you can focus on bringing out the wonderful flavors of this braised beef spicy green curry.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons green curry paste
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1.5 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
Step 1: Searing the Beef
Begin by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef chunks into the pot. Sear them on all sides until they develop a lovely brown crust, which will deepen the flavor of your curry. After browning, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside; this will keep it moist until it returns to the mixture.
Step 2: Building Flavor with Green Curry
Next, turn down the heat to medium and add the green curry paste to the pot. Allow it to sizzle and release its fantastic aromas for about 2-3 minutes. At this point, incorporate a small portion of coconut milk to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits that may have stuck on. Finally, pour in the remaining coconut milk, stirring it into the curry paste to create a rich base.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot, followed by the fish sauce, sugar, torn kaffir lime leaves, and broth. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the beef is coated with the delicious sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the curry to braise for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
Step 4: Adding Sweet Crunch
When the beef is nearly finished cooking, it’s time to introduce the fresh vegetables. Add the green beans, snap peas, and broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer everything together without the lid for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This will ensure the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant, maintaining their nutritional value and adding a pleasant bite to the curry.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Just before serving, gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt and impart their flavor into the curry. This is a crucial step, as the basil elevates the dish with its fragrant aroma. Serve your braised beef spicy green curry hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Variations
- Protein: You can swap beef for chicken thighs or tofu for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more variety.
- Spices: Kick it up a notch by adding chili peppers for extra heat or cilantro for a fresh garnish.
Cooking Notes
- Searing the beef is crucial for maximizing flavor—don’t rush this step!
- Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the richest creamy texture.
- If the curry becomes too thick during cooking, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving; this will help meld the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fragrant jasmine rice for a classic experience.
- Add a side of Thai spring rolls for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use fresh herbs to enhance the overall flavor—fresh basil or cilantro work wonders.
- Adjust the level of curry paste to your heat preference; less for mild, more for fiery!
- Consider serving with lime wedges as a refreshing garnish that will brighten the dish.
- Remember, this curry tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 650 per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make this curry in advance?
Absolutely! This curry actually tastes better the day after, as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the fish sauce?
If you need a substitute, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a vegan option. The taste will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Can I use other types of meat?
Certainly! Chicken, pork, or even lamb can be used; just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s properly cooked and tender.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this braised beef spicy green curry is the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply want a delicious, homemade meal on a weeknight, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Its creamy depth and freshness from the herbs and vegetables make it stand out, truly embodying the essence of Thai cuisine. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you! Feel free to share your experience in the comments, and let us know your favorite variations of this dish!
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Braised Beef Spicy Green Curry
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This braised beef spicy green curry is a culinary delight that brings the exotic flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons green curry paste
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1.5 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
- Begin by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef chunks into the pot. Sear them on all sides until they develop a lovely brown crust, which will deepen the flavor of your curry. After browning, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside; this will keep it moist until it returns to the mixture.
- Next, turn down the heat to medium and add the green curry paste to the pot. Allow it to sizzle and release its fantastic aromas for about 2-3 minutes. At this point, incorporate a small portion of coconut milk to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits that may have stuck on. Finally, pour in the remaining coconut milk, stirring it into the curry paste to create a rich base.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, followed by the fish sauce, sugar, torn kaffir lime leaves, and broth. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the beef is coated with the delicious sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the curry to braise for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
- When the beef is nearly finished cooking, it’s time to introduce the fresh vegetables. Add the green beans, snap peas, and broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer everything together without the lid for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This will ensure the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant, maintaining their nutritional value and adding a pleasant bite to the curry.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt and impart their flavor into the curry. This is a crucial step, as the basil elevates the dish with its fragrant aroma. Serve your braised beef spicy green curry hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Notes
Searing the beef is crucial for maximizing flavor—don’t rush this step! Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the richest creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 per serving
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 45 g