Easy Beef Madras
A rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful Beef Madras curry that will transport your taste buds straight to Southern India! This classic dish is a staple in Indian restaurants and is known for its fiery heat and aromatic spices. Perfect for spice lovers, this Beef Madras recipe is easy to make at home and rivals any takeout or restaurant version.
Why This Beef Madras Recipe Works
This Beef Madras recipe is a winner because it’s packed with bold flavors and uses simple, accessible ingredients. The combination of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, along with the fiery kick of chili powder, creates a complex and satisfying curry. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Plus, this recipe is customizable! You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it as mild or as hot as you like.
What’s In Beef Madras?
The magic of Beef Madras lies in its spice blend and the slow-cooked beef. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Use stewing beef or chuck steak for the best results. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Spices: A blend of ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and fenugreek creates the signature Madras flavor.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, adding acidity and richness.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the heat of the spices.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger form the flavor foundation of the curry.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish and a fresh finish.
How To Make Beef Madras
This Beef Madras recipe is straightforward and requires a bit of patience for the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a large bowl, combine the beef pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions until softened and golden.
- Add garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder, and fenugreek). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the curry simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
Sides for Beef Madras
Pair your Beef Madras with these delicious sides:
- Steamed Basmati Rice: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garlic Naan: Soft and fluffy, ideal for scooping up every last bit of curry.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the heat.
- Pickled Onions: Adds a tangy crunch to complement the rich curry.
Recipe FAQ’s
How Spicy Is Beef Madras?
Beef Madras is traditionally a spicy curry, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder.
Can I Use a Slow Cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and cooking the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How Long Does Beef Madras Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Beef Madras, check out these other flavorful recipes:
- Chicken Tikka Masala: A creamy and mildly spiced curry.
- Lamb Rogan Josh: A rich and aromatic lamb curry.
- Vegetable Korma: A creamy and mild vegetable curry.
The Best Beef Madras
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 2 lbs 900g stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp fenugreek leaves kasoori methi
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef with yogurt, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Mix well, cover, and marinate for 1 hour (or overnight).
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot. Sear the beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add beef and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Slow Cook: Cover and simmer on low for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: The curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Tips for a Healthier Version
- Use light coconut milk to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Trim excess fat from the beef before cooking to lower saturated fat.
- Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice for a lower-carb option.