Discover what makes the curries of Thailand different from Indian curry and learn how to make a delicious beef curry dish.
Food is an important part of the culture of Thailand and one of the central flavors of the cuisine is curry. The cuisine has called upon fish from its local waterways and spices and herbs that could be found locally. Eventually, the chili was introduced to this Asian country and the curry sauces were created.
The word curry is derived from kari, an India word to describe an aromatic dish. In Thailand, curry pastes are still made by grinding together the ingredients with a mortar and pestle. Unlike Indian curries, Thai curries are made with fresh ingredients, rather than being ground together with dried spices. Likewise, Thai curries are usually cooked with coconut milk instead of yogurt. 
From breakfast to dinner, curry is enjoyed all day in Thai homes. And while there are regional differences between dry and wet curries, almost all Thai curries contain chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and cilantro.
Vatcharin Bhumichitr’s new cookbook 50 Great Curries of Thailand, explores the history, ingredients and recipes of Thai curries. From green to penang curries and everything in between, the book breaks down the recipes and the specifics of the ingredeints needed to create them.
Once readers have mastered their curry paste recipe, the book goes on to give recipes for snacks, seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetables that will use those same curries. The book concludes with recipes for pickles and salads that are perfect accompaniments to the curry dishes.
Learn how to make the beef curry dish pictured above.
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- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 medium onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons Massaman
- Curry Paste (see page 41 in the cookbook)
- 2 pounds blade or skirt steak
- cut into small chunks
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tamarind water (see page 78 in the cookbook)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon, and
- stir over a low heat until the onion is soft.
- Add the curry paste and meat, stirring to ensure the meat is well coated. Add
- the stock, tamarind water, sugar, and salt, then cover and cook over a low heat
- for 1 hour or until the meat is tender. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
- Serve with noodles or rice.
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Thai
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of coconut milk should I use for the beef curry?
Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture, which will complement the spices in the curry.
How do I properly grind the curry paste if I don’t have a mortar and pestle?
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor, but be sure to add a little coconut milk or water to help blend the fresh ingredients smoothly.
What can I substitute for lemongrass if I can’t find it?
If lemongrass is unavailable, you can use the zest of one lemon combined with a bit of ginger to mimic the citrus and aromatic qualities.
