Why do people add coconut milk to curry?

Most North indian curry dishes do not use coconut milk; but cow/buffalo milk, or even better, Yogurt or Curd. The main purpose of using coconut milk in a curry dish is to offset the heat produced due to the spices and chillies used in the dish . You can even be adventurous and try using soy milk.

Is it better to use coconut cream or milk for curry?

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups . If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Should I use canned coconut milk for curry?

The coconut milk cools the spices in curry and adds its signature nutty-sweet flavor and thick texture . Curries are much easier to make than you think; just combine coconut milk with red, green, yellow, or any curry paste or dried curry spice mixes like Madras or garam masala.

What's the difference between curry and massaman curry?

Thai red curry uses red curry paste and is commonly made with pork or chicken. The Massaman (muslim) curry was from the south of Thailand near Malaysia and featured beef. The massaman curry uses more indian spices including cumin, coriander powder, cardamom and cinnamon) and is simmered for a longer time.

What is special about massaman curry?

Massaman Curry is a mild, slightly sweet, and lightly tangy Thai curry made by simmering meat, potatoes, vegetables, in a mixture of coconut milk and fragrant curry paste. It tastes thick and creamy, richly aromatic, and oh-so-wonderful!

Why is massaman curry so good?

The richness comes from the coconut milk and cream used as a base , as for many Thai curries. In 2011, CNNGo ranked massaman curry as the number one most delicious food in an article titled "World's 50 most delicious foods".

At what point do you add coconut milk to curry?

Once the spices and veg have cooked , add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

Does traditional Indian curry use coconut milk?

Indian (North India) Coconut and coconut milk are both used as a garnish in several traditional dishes across Bihar, Eastern U.P., Uttaranchal and Bundelkhand . Its generally used in dishes made of jackfruit, pumpkin and other gourds.

Why do chefs use coconut milk?

One of the most popular uses for coconut milk is in soups and stews, where it adds a lovely creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor . The fattiness of coconut milk works particularly well with spices and acid, which is why it's often included in traditional Thai and Indian dishes.

Will coconut milk thicken a curry?

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent . They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Coconut Curry Beef Recipe (Keto & Gluten Free) - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

Coconut Curry Beef is loaded with spice and flavor that you are sure to love. This easy, creamy recipe is made with sweet peppers, coconut milk and tomato paste. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice to keep it low carb and keto friendly.

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I make Coconut Curry Chicken or Vadouvan Curry Chicken at least once every couple of weeks. Curry is one of my favorite meals ever, not only to make but also to order out.

But, I rarely see or hear of curry beef, so I decided to give it a try. I’ve mentioned before that my son has been complaining about all the chicken I make.

I’m trying to find some new, creative meals and this Coconut Curry Beef is one of the best curry recipes that I’ve made yet. It’s definitely a must try!

Why This Recipe Works

Curry is an easy recipe to make and from start to finish takes less than an hour to make.

This recipe is incredibly flavorful due to the combination of curry powder, tomato paste, coconut milk, juicy chunks of beef, and bell peppers. Leftovers are even better!

There are only 7 net carbs per serving and the recipe is gluten free. Served over cauliflower rice, it’s a great dinner option for those following a low carb or keto diet.

How to Make Coconut Curry Beef

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 sweet bell peppers, cut into bite size pieces
1.5 pounds beef cut into bite size pieces (I use top round)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 13.5 ounce can coconut milk (full fat)
1 tablespoon sugar (or sugar substitute – I use monk fruit)

Chef’s Tip: use a tender cut of beef for the best results. Some tender cuts include sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and flat iron.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Mince the garlic and cut the peppers and beef into bite size pieces.

Create!

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and peppers. Cook until the peppers are just starting to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Season the beef with the salt and pepper and add it to the pot. Cook until it’s done through, about 5 minutes.

Present!

Serve over rice or cauliflower rice, if low carb or keto.

Tips and Techniques

Use tender cuts of beef for the best results. Some tender cuts include sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and flat iron.
Leave the lid slightly open to vent while cooking the curry to allow the sauce to reduce and to intensify the flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.

FAQ’s

What Is The Best Beef For Curry?

Tender cuts of beef like sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, and flat iron work great in curry recipes.

How Do You Thicken Curry?

While you can add flour or cornstarch to quickly thicken curry, you can also raise the heat and allow the liquid to reduce. This will also amplify the flavor.

Is Curry Healthy?

Curry powder itself has a lot of healthy benefits like reducing inflammation, however not all curry recipes are healthy.

You will have to look at recipes individually to determine if they fit into your way of eating. Some curries are very high in fat.

This Coconut Beef Curry recipe has just over 500 calories per serving when made with top round steak and monk fruit in place of sugar. It’s also low in carbohydrates with just 7 grams of net carbs per generous serving and is naturally gluten free.

More Curry Recipes

Here are a few more curry recipes that you might like:

Curry Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad is a creamy, curry and ginger-spiced chicken salad with bursts of sweet grapes and crunchy pecans in every bite. This versatile recipe can be served as is, or on bread, rolls, wraps, or as lettuce wraps.

Get The Recipe

Instant Pot Coconut Curry Meatballs & Cauliflower

Try this instant pot Coconut Curry Meatballs & Cauliflower recipe for a quick, easy, and super flavorful meal!