Beef Curry is a spicy gravy-like dish prepared with beef and assorted vegetables, and has a broth-like consistency. Although the name curry derives from the Indian word 'kari', the dish is not very popular in India except in the state of Kerala. Indian Muslims, along with the common populace of Pakistan and Bangladesh, relish the curried beef dish while there are variants of the same dish cooked in the countries of Far East including China and Japan.

The authentic curry uses onions, garlic, and ginger paste along with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The garam masala or the blend of aromatic spices comprising of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom are also used to temper the curry while the Keralian beef dish makes use of coconut along with the other ingredients. The Madras Curry paste is a readymade blend of spices that is utilized by the British while preparing the beef curry. The Japanese beef curries have also originated from the European cuisine and resemble a stew rather than the fiery curries.

The curry is served with plain, steamed rice or flat noodles usually, although it is preferred to be consumed along with various kinds of bread in the Western world. Ground beef is not the choice of meat for curries although a variation of the curry can be prepared with the minced form of beef.

Overview of Beef Curry Recipes

The traditional method of preparing the curry is to fry the marinated chunks of beef along with onions, ginger-garlic paste and other spices until they are tender.  Pouring some hot water over the fried ingredients is mandatory, the ingredients are then brought to a boil and simmered after adding some sugar, salt and mint. The curry is usually served hot along with a platter of steamed, white rice after sprinkling garam masala powder over it.

Tomatoes, yogurt or tamarind juice may be used to marinate the beef while it is customary to add chutney or relishes in order to impart a sweet taste.

Variations of Beef Curry Recipes

There are numerous variations of the beef curry consumed around the world. The most popular ones are:-

• Nadan Beef Curry- This is a special Kerala curry dish cooked with potatoes and spices along with thick coconut milk and curry leaves. It is usually served with rice, appam or chapattis, the Indian unleavened fried bread.
   
• Massaman Curry- This is the traditional beef curry of Thailand that is slow cooked with the Massaman curry paste and contains baby potatoes as well as tamarind juice. It is topped with roasted peanuts and fresh basil before serving.
   
• Chinese Beef Curry- This is a stir-fry dish cooked with beef steaks, soy sauce, ginger and rice wine vinegar. It is a popular dish of Southern China.

Trivia

The Buddhist monks from India are credited with the introduction of the beef curry to the Chinese populace.