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Indian Aromatic Beef Curry with Spiced Tempering

This Indian Aromatic Beef Curry marries tender cubes of chuck beef with fragrant spices, delivering deep warmth and complexity in every spoonful. Rooted in the slow‐cooked stews of Punjab and Bengal, it begins with a vibrant marinade of ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric, coriander and garam masala, which infuses the meat with subtle heat and floral notes. A tempering of mustard seeds, bay leaf and cinnamon in hot oil builds a rich, layered sauce, rounded out by simmered onions and red chili powder. Finished with fresh cilantro, the curry is best served alongside steamed basmati rice or warm flatbreads. Whether made on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, the long simmer allows collagen to break down for melt-in-your-mouth texture, while bright coriander leaves add a fresh contrast. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this curry showcases the depth and balance of traditional Indian spice blends, offering comfort and celebration in one pot.

Dinner | Indian | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Halal | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Beef Curry | Frying Pan | Pot | Beef | Coriander | Garlic | Onion | Braising | Searing | Family Gathering | Festive | Slow
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

1h 15min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

1h 30min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Beef & Marinade

  • 1 kg (2.2 lb) chuck beef, cut into 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes
  • ½ cup (80 g) sliced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2.5 cm (1 in) fresh ginger, chopped
  • ½ tsp (2 g) ground turmeric
  • 1 Tbsp (6 g) ground coriander
  • 1 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp (2 g) red chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Tempering & Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick (5 cm/2 in)
  • 1 cup (160 g) chopped yellow onion
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp (4 g) ground coriander
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp (2 g) red chili powder
  • Water, as needed to make a thick sauce

Finishing

  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 12
  • Protein: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 1.5
Directions

Marinating & Braising

  • 1. In a large bowl combine beef cubes, sliced onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, 1 Tbsp garam masala, red chili powder and salt; add just enough water to cover. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cover and cook 1 hour or until beef is tender.

Tempering & Sauce Building

  • 2. Heat oil in a separate deep pan over medium‐high heat. Add mustard seeds, bay leaves and cinnamon stick and fry until mustard seeds pop, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until golden.

Spice Bloom & Sauce Simmer

  • 3. Add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander, 2 tsp garam masala and ½ tsp chili powder; stir for 1 minute. Season with salt, pour in reserved braising liquid, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Combining & Finishing

  • 4. Add braised beef, stir to coat in sauce, then simmer 5–6 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro and remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving.
Cookix's Secrets

Braising Liquid

  • Use homemade beef stock instead of water for a richer sauce, or add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.

Flavor Boost

  • Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a handful of fresh mint for a bright, tangy contrast.

Heat Level

  • Increase red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies to the marinade for extra heat.

Pressure Cooker

  • Reduce braising time to 20–25 minutes under high pressure for faster preparation without sacrificing tenderness.

Protein Swap

  • Substitute lamb shoulder or goat curry cubes for a richer, gamier twist on the classic beef curry.

Serving

  • Garnish with a drizzle of ghee and extra cilantro leaves for shine and an herbal lift.

Spice Prep

  • Toast whole coriander seeds and grind them fresh for even brighter flavor in the marinade.

Vegetable Add-In

  • Stir in diced potatoes or sweet potatoes during the final simmer for a heartier one-pot meal.