Award-winning recipe

Rich aromatic spices

Slow-cooked perfection

Massaman Curry: A Royal Thai Delicacy

Experience our signature Massaman curry, a perfect blend of Thai and Middle Eastern influences. Tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce with potatoes, peanuts, and exotic spices. A culinary masterpiece from Kawin's Kitchen that will transport your taste buds to Thailand.

Traditional Massaman Beef Curry

This authentic Massaman beef curry recipe features a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with aromatic spices. It's considered one of the most delicious dishes in the world.

From savory curries to delectable street food favorites, our menu is crafted to transport you straight to the heart of Thai culture.

The History of Massaman Curry:

Massaman curry has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 17th century. The dish originated from the influence of Persian merchants who came to Thailand during the Ayutthaya period. The name "Massaman" is believed to derive from the word "Muslim," reflecting its Middle Eastern roots. This curry uniquely blends Thai cooking techniques with Persian and Indian spices, creating a dish that represents the beautiful cultural exchange between Thailand and the Middle East.

A Symphony of Flavors:

What makes Massaman curry truly special is the harmonious blend of fresh coconut milk simmered with aromatic curry paste until it releases its fragrant oils. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the complex flavors of the spices. The rich creaminess of the coconut milk balances perfectly with the warm spices, creating a velvety sauce that coats each piece of melt-in-your-mouth beef. This perfect marriage of ingredients results in a curry that is simultaneously sweet, savory, and subtly spiced.

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Massaman Curry Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Massaman Curry

- Beef belly
- Massaman curry paste
- Roasted cardamom pods
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Onions, peeled and quartered
- Roasted peanuts (shelled)
- Thick coconut milk
- Thin coconut milk
- Tamarind paste
- Coconut sugar
- Fish sauce
- Salt
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Cooking Method

Place a pot on medium heat and add 4 cups of thin coconut milk. When it boils, add the beef pieces and 1/4 tablespoon of salt.

Once the coconut milk boils again, reduce to low heat and simmer the beef for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you prefer more tender meat, simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes. When done, turn off the heat.

  1. Next, place a deep pan or pot on the stove. Add 1 cup of coconut cream and turn to medium heat. When the cream starts to separate, add the Massaman curry paste and stir until fragrant.
  2. When the curry paste is aromatic, add the simmered beef and stir to combine with the paste. After a brief stir, add the sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, peanuts, and cardamom pods.
  3. Add the coconut milk from the beef pot (approximately 1 + 1/2 cups) and the remaining 1 cup of thin coconut milk (totaling about 2 + 1/2 cups of coconut milk). This will give you the perfect amount of curry sauce for the meat and vegetables.
  4. Season with palm sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and the remaining salt.
  5. Stir the ingredients in the pot until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Taste the curry to see if it suits your preference. Even though I've provided specific measurements, tamarind paste can vary in sourness and sweetness depending on the source, and curry pastes can differ in saltiness and spiciness. This might result in different flavors between my curry and yours. So taste and adjust - some people prefer it saltier, some sweeter, some more sour. My version has a slightly sour lead note, but not intensely sour, followed by a well-rounded sweetness, balanced with a hint of saltiness.
  6. Once you've achieved your preferred taste, reduce the heat to low and simmer all ingredients for about 30 minutes to allow the onions and peanuts to soften and the sweet potatoes and potatoes to cook through.
  7. When the time is up, pour in the remaining half cup of coconut cream and bring to a boil once more. You'll now have a delicious "Massaman Beef Curry" ready to serve.
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Fresh & Authentic

Key Ingredients That Define Kawin's Kitchen's Thai Cuisine

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Cinnamon

A warm aromatic spice essential in Massaman curry, adding a sweet and woody flavor to the dish.

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Coconut Milk

Provides a rich and creamy texture, crucial in curries and desserts typical of Thai cuisine.

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Star Anise

A distinctive star-shaped spice that adds a sweet licorice flavor to Massaman curry, enhancing its complex taste profile.

Front view of a wooden scoop filled with dry Organic Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds. Isolated on a white background.

Coriander Seeds

These aromatic seeds provide a warm, citrusy note to Massaman curry, complementing the other spices perfectly.