Thai Beef Stew Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Authentic Guide

Thai cuisine is known worldwide for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and delightful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. One dish that perfectly encapsulates these qualities is the Thai Beef Stew.

This comforting stew is a wonderful fusion of tender beef, fragrant herbs, and rich coconut milk, simmered to perfection for hours until it melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that warms the soul and excites your taste buds with every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers incredible depth of flavor with relatively simple ingredients. Perfectly paired with jasmine rice or crusty bread, it’s a meal that brings a touch of Thailand right to your kitchen table.

Let’s dive into this delicious, satisfying recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Beef Stew is a celebration of bold flavors and tender textures. Unlike traditional beef stews, this recipe incorporates classic Thai ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk, which give it a uniquely fresh and fragrant taste.

The slow simmering process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the spices and aromatics. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish that simplifies cleanup and makes weeknight cooking hassle-free.

If you love dishes that combine comfort food with exciting international flavors, this stew will quickly become a favorite.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate and customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

It’s a versatile, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 1 red chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup baby corn, halved
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and red chili. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add curry paste: Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its flavors.
5. Deglaze and combine: Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot.
6. Simmer the stew: Add fish sauce and brown sugar. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Add vegetables: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the carrots, bell pepper, and baby corn. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
8. Finish the stew: Remove lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of fish sauce and a little sugar for 1 hour before cooking.”

If you prefer a spicier stew, add extra fresh chilies or a splash of Thai chili paste. For a milder version, reduce the amount of curry paste or omit the red chili.

You can swap beef chuck with brisket or even lamb for a different taste. If you want a quicker cooking method, try using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce the simmering time significantly.

Vegetables are flexible in this recipe; zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans make excellent additions. For a vegetarian twist, check out our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious for more Thai-inspired flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Beef Stew pairs beautifully with fragrant jasmine or sticky rice, which helps soak up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

If you want to add a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted peanuts or fried shallots on top just before serving. A wedge of lime on the side adds an extra burst of freshness.

To keep the meal balanced and vibrant, consider pairing this stew with a zesty Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. For a full Thai-themed dinner, explore other recipes on the blog to complement this stew.

Conclusion

Making this Thai Beef Stew is like taking a quick culinary trip to Thailand right from your own kitchen. Its rich, aromatic flavors and tender beef make it a perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy evening with family or friends.

The balance of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying and memorable meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Plus, the versatility and ease of preparation mean you can customize it to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Don’t forget to check out our other recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for more delicious ideas to add to your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful Thai feast!

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