Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry with Aromatic Spices 🥥🍛✨
1. Introduction
If you love beef coconut curry that marries tropical flavors with savory spices, you’re in the right place! This slow cooker beef coconut curry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, creating a tender, aromatic dish infused with spices and coconut milk. Whether you’re new to curry or a seasoned fan, this easy recipe will become a family favorite.
2. Ingredients for the Best Beef Coconut Curry
- 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Beef Coconut Curry
Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the vegetables. Ensure the beef pieces are bite-sized for easy eating and better flavor absorption.
Sear the Beef
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the flavor but can be skipped if you’re pressed for time.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, spices, carrots, and bell peppers. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine.
Cook the Curry
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Final Touches
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. For an extra layer of flavor, you might add a splash of lime juice or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Tips to Perfect Your Beef Coconut Curry
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you enjoy spice, add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for hearty vegetables or tofu.
5. How to Store and Reheat Your Tropical Beef Coconut Curry
Leftover beef coconut curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. The flavors often deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious!
6. Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Beef Coconut Curry
This savory beef coconut curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime over the dish — check out our creamy vegan vegetable soup for more hearty meal ideas!
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Coconut Curry
Can I make this curry spicy?
Absolutely! Add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking to elevate the heat level.
What are good substitutions for beef?
You can substitute chicken, lamb, or hearty vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 6-8 hours in the slow cooker. This makes it a convenient make-ahead tropical meal.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make your beef coconut curry preparation smoother, consider using these essential tools:
- A reliable slow cooker: This allows you to set it and forget it, with perfectly tender beef and flavorful spices every time.
- A sharp chef’s knife: Ideal for chopping vegetables with ease.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For precise spice and ingredient measurements.
- A silicone spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients or scraping out the creamy curry from the slow cooker.
Investing in quality kitchen tools enhances your cooking experience and makes every step more enjoyable.
9. Conclusion
This creamy slow cooker beef coconut curry combines aromatic spices and tropical flavors, creating a savory, comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. Its hassle-free cooking method means you can enjoy a rich, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or with bread, and enjoy the delightful blend of spices and coconut milk in every bite!
Looking for more hearty and savory recipes? Check out our ultimate comfort soup recipe or try a creamy coconut chicken tikka masala for more tropical-inspired dishes.
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Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry with Aromatic Spices
A rich, flavorful beef curry simmered in coconut milk with aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until fragrant. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the spice mixture to slow cooker. Pour in coconut milk and add sliced bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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