Curried Beef Stew
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This aromatic curried beef stew is a vibrant, diabetes-friendly dish that brings together the deep, warming flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine. By pounding a bespoke curry paste from scratch with fresh turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass, you create a complex base that is far superior to shop-bought alternatives. The lean beef chuck is slow-cooked until meltingly tender, absorbing the fragrant notes of the kaffir lime and chillies without the need for added sugars or heavy thickeners.
Ideal for a comforting weekend dinner, this heart-healthy stew is packed with nutrient-dense carrots and shallots. Serving this savoury meal provides a satisfying, high-protein option that fits perfectly into a balanced diet. Pair it with a small portion of brown rice or plenty of steamed green vegetables for a complete, wholesome dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
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Ingredients for Curried Beef Stew
6 dried puya or 3 dried guajillo chillies, stemmed, seeded
1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 lemongrass stalk, bottom 4" only, tough outer layer removed, cut into 1" pieces
2 tablespoons sliced peeled fresh galangal
2 tablespoons sliced peeled fresh turmeric
60g chopped shallots
30g halved garlic cloves
1 tablespoon Thai prawns paste
900g trimmed beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2"-2" cubes
45ml soy sauce, preferably Thai thin soy sauce (such as Healthy Boy)
2 tablespoons ground dried Thai chillies
2150ml beef broth, preferably low-salt
130g halved shallots
3 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick half-moons (about 1 cup)
6 fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaves
Chopped fresh coriander
Thinly sliced Thai basil
How to make Curried Beef Stew
In a mortar, pound chillies and salt with a pestle until pulverized, about 5 minutes. Add ingredients one by one in order listed, fully pulverizing each before adding the next, about 15 minutes total. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead; cover and chill.
Combine curry paste, beef, soy sauce, and ground dried chillies in a pot; stir to evenly coat beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender but not falling apart, 2-2 1/2 hours.
Stir in shallots, carrots, and lime leaves. Simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. If broth is too salty, add water a few tablespoonfuls at a time.
Garnish with coriander and basil.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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