Massaman Beef Curry is a simple recipe with clear steps and fresh flavour. This Massaman curry is to die for. It packs a real punch in flavour. Recipe can be cooked in a pressure cooker, slow cooker or on the stove in a cast iron pot. We loved making this with just 30 mins in the pressure cooker and the meat just melted in our mouth. This recipe includes the ingredients to make a home made paste but you can also use a jar of Massaman curry paste instead.
First, this dish uses Cardamom Toasted, Cummin Seeds Toasted, Ground Nutmeg Toasted to build flavour without making the method hard to follow. Then, the recipe keeps each step short, so it suits home cooks who want a reliable result.
If you enjoy recipes like this, you can also explore our cooking classes, browse food and wine events, or visit our cookbooks for more Massaman Beef Curry inspiration.

Massaman Beef Curry
Ingredients
- 4 Pods Cardamom Toasted
- 1/2 tbsp Cummin Seeds Toasted
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg Toasted
- 1 tbsp Ground Coriander Toasted
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger
- 1/2 Stalk Lemon Grass Toasted
- 5-6 Long Red Chilli Roasted
- 4 Whole Shallots Roasted
- 1 Head Garlic Roasted
- 1 tsp Fish Sauce
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 kg Diced Beef Chuck Steak
- 4 Potatos Diced
- 3-4 Carrots Diced
- 2 cans Coconut Cream
- 1 cup Peanuts
- 1 tin Pineapple Diced and drained
- 1/4 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp Tamarind Paste
Instructions
- add your dry spices to the motar and pestle or your blend and crush. Then add your ginger, lemongrass, chillis, shallots and garlic one at a time and crush until smooth. Add your salt and combine until smooth.
- Sear your beef on the stove top or in your pressure cooker.
- Add the paste and remaining ingredients to the cooker except for your pineapple and combine.
- Set the pressure cooker to 80kpg for 30 minutes. Alternatively cook in the slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours until meat is tender. You could also cook this on your stove in a cast iron pot for 2-3 hours on a gentle simmer until the meat is tender.
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Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this recipe good for home cooks?
Because Massaman Beef Curry uses a clear method and familiar ingredients, it is easy to follow at home. It also gives strong flavour without adding too many hard steps.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. First, prepare the ingredients or dressing ahead. Then, finish the final cooking or assembly close to serving time for the best texture.
Which ingredients matter most in this dish?
The key ingredients are Cardamom Toasted, Cummin Seeds Toasted, Ground Nutmeg Toasted. Therefore, fresh produce and good pantry staples will make the biggest difference to flavour.
Where can I find more recipes like this?
You can explore our cooking classes, browse food and wine events, or visit our cookbooks for more home cooking ideas.













