Go Back

Thai Yellow Curry with Beef and Potatoes

A quick and easy Thai yellow curry featuring tender beef and hearty potatoes in a rich coconut milk sauce, bursting with vibrant flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Curry
  • 1.5 lb chuck top blade steaks This cut offers a great balance of flavor and tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon table salt Essential for seasoning the beef as it cooks.
  • 6 tablespoons yellow curry paste A key flavor element; use good-quality brands like Thai Kitchen or Mae Ploy.
  • 2 cups coconut milk Full-fat coconut milk gives the best texture and flavor.
  • 10.5 oz waxy potatoes, in 1-inch chunks These potatoes hold their shape well, adding texture to your curry.
  • 0.5 medium onion, cut lengthwise into slivers Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
  • 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce Adjust according to your taste preference.
  • 2 tablespoons palm sugar, finely chopped If unavailable, light brown sugar is an acceptable substitute.
  • 1-2 tablespoons tamarind paste Adds a touch of tanginess; adjust for your preference.
  • 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes Add at the end for a pop of sweetness and freshness.
For Serving
  • Jasmine rice for serving A perfect companion to soak up all that delicious curry sauce.

Method
 

Prepare the Beef
  1. Slice the chuck steak crosswise into 1/8-inch thick slices, and place it in a small pot. Cover the beef with enough water to completely submerge it, sprinkle in the salt and add 1 tablespoon of the yellow curry paste. Bring to a vigorous simmer over high heat.
Simmer for Tenderness
  1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender, skimming off any impurities that float to the top.
Create the Curry Sauce
  1. In a heavy medium pot, pour in 3/4 cup of coconut milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Thicken It Up
  1. Stir in the remaining curry paste, mixing well. Turn the heat down to medium-low, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens significantly, about 5 minutes.
Build the Flavor
  1. Add the rest of the coconut milk, palm sugar, half of the tamarind paste, and half of the fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil again.
Add the Vegetables
  1. Toss in the potato chunks and slivers of onion, simmering uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften slightly.
Combine Beef Back into the Curry
  1. Once the beef is fork-tender, transfer it into the curry mix, adding in the beef cooking liquid as needed for moisture.
Finish Cooking
  1. Increase the heat slightly and simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked through.
Season to Perfection
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce, tamarind paste, or sugar based on your preference.
Add Fresh Tomatoes
  1. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and turn off the heat. Let the residual heat soften them slightly for added freshness.
Serve with Jasmine Rice
  1. Fluff your cooked jasmine rice and serve it alongside your rich and savory curry.

Notes

Quality Matters: Use the freshest beef and high-quality curry paste for the best results. Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.