This massaman beef curry is a perfectly suited to a slow cooker. The slow cooking method makes the meat tender and unlocks the beautiful flavours of cinnamon, bay leaves and coconut milk in this recipe. Plate this up with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle of peanuts for an extra flavour hit.
See the notes below this recipe for how to reduce the cooking time, and other handy Test Kitchen tips.
Ingredients
Method
Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat; cook onion, stirring, for 10 minutes or until browned lightly. Transfer mixture to a 4.5-litre (18-cup) slow cooker.
Heat remaining oil in same pan over high heat; cook beef, in batches, until browned. Add paste; cook, stirring, 1 minute or until fragrant. Transfer mixture to cooker.
Add coconut milk, stock, cinnamon, bay leaves, potato and nuts to cooker. Cook, covered, on low, 8 hours.
Stir in sugar and sauce. Serve massaman curry topped with coriander; accompany with lime wedges.
You’ll need these…
Start cooking with these ingredient and equipment essentials.
Which cut of meat is best for this massaman beef curry?
We use gravy beef for this curry as it’s one of the best meats for slow cooking. This is because it contains lots of gelatinous connective tissue which breaks down during the long cooking time and helps to keep the meat moist. Chuck steak is also suitable for this recipe.
For a quicker cooking time
Generally, the longer meat takes to cook the more tender and more intense the flavours will be. So if you have the time, we highly recommend setting your cooker to a low setting for our massaman curry, as outlined in the recipe. However, if you’re pressed for time, setting the slow cooker on high will reduce the cooking time to approximately half.
Slow cooker safety tips
Before you start making this massaman curry, read the manufacturer’s instructions for your slow cooker as each cooker will differ depending on its features. They will also outline appropriate safety measures, such as not leaving the appliance unattended.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
While this recipe uses a slow cooker, you could also try our beef massaman curry recipe that takes less than 2 hours in a pressure cooker. Or, this classic stovetop massaman chicken curry recipe.
Is massaman curry very spicy?
Massaman curry is traditionally a mildly spicy Thai curry, which means people who don’t like spicy foods can enjoy it. Some massaman curry pastes also include a guide to the level of spice, with “mild” the most common. This makes it easy to get the level of spice right for the whole family.
What does massaman curry taste like?
Massaman curry typically includes lemongrass, shallots, galangal, cardamom, chilli, cinnamon, coriander seeds, cumin and nutmeg, as well as shrimp paste. The curry mix or paste gives it a fragrant flavour, with mild spice and some sweetness and tang. The meat, vegetables and coconut milk add layers of richness and depth for a delicious, filling meal.
Looking for more Thai food you can cook at home? Check out or easy Thai recipes, from chicken satay skewers to pad Thai!
