This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender beef cooks slowly in a creamy coconut sauce with spices that make your taste buds dance.
It’s super easy—just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it with rice, making dinner feel like a cozy feast! 🍛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal due to its tenderness when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use brisket or even a mix of beef and lamb for a different flavor.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the curry a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, use light coconut milk or a mix of coconut milk and chicken broth, but it may be less creamy.
Red Curry Paste: This is key for flavor! If you don’t have it, a mix of chili powder and a bit of soy sauce can work, but the taste won’t be quite the same. You can also add more spices to suit your palate!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat preference. If you like more kick, increase the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of curry and chili powder.
Fish Sauce: This adds depth, but can be swapped with soy sauce for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind that it won’t have the same distinct taste!
How Do You Get the Beef Tender and Flavors Infused?
Getting tender beef with great flavor is key! Here are some important steps to follow:
- Sear the Beef: This step is crucial! Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a flavorful crust. Don’t rush it—take time to brown all sides well.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cooking onions, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant builds the flavor base for your curry. This step enhances the dish’s overall taste.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low for longer (7-8 hours) helps break down the meat and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. If you’re short on time, the high setting (4-5 hours) will still yield good results.
- Season to Taste: Always taste towards the end of cooking. This way, you can adjust salt, sweetness, and heat to get it just right!
Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Curry:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Red chili slices for garnish (optional)
- Steamed basmati or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This curry takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can let it cook in the slow cooker. If you choose to cook it on low, plan for around 7-8 hours, or 4-5 hours on high. Perfect for setting it in the morning and letting it do its thing all day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Once done, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add in the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients for around 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your curry!
3. Add the Spices:
Next, stir in the red curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. You’ll start to smell the wonderful spices filling your kitchen!
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Now it’s time to transfer your cooked onion and spice mixture into the slow cooker. Carefully add the seared beef cubes on top of the onion mix.
5. Add the Coconut Creaminess:
Pour the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar over the beef. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything around the beef, making sure it’s all mixed well.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover your slow cooker and let this hearty dish cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Check for tenderness, aiming for the beef to be fork-tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the curry and add salt, pepper, or extra sugar as needed to balance the flavors to your liking.
8. Serve and Garnish:
To serve, ladle the hot beef curry over a bed of steamed rice. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and slices of red chili if you like a little extra heat. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
This recipe yields a rich, creamy, and aromatic beef curry with tender chunks of beef infused with warm spices and coconut flavor—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking due to its tenderness, you can also use brisket or even sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Make This Curry Spicier?
Yes, if you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh chilis or hot sauce to taste as you cook, so it suits your spicy preferences just right!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Freeze This Curry?
Yes, this curry freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.