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Gordon Ramsay Beef Curry

Gordon Ramsay Beef Curry

This deeply savory beef curry showcases tender chunks of beef simmered in a complex, aromatic sauce built on caramelized onions and a potent blend of spices. The slow cooking process creates a velvety, rich gravy with a subtle heat that warms without overwhelming, ideal for a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated on a Microplane
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (preferably Madras-style)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper. Toss to coat evenly; removing surface moisture ensures a deep brown sear rather than steaming.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat until the oil shimmers. Working in two batches to avoid crowding (which lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming), sear the beef until deeply browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and set aside. The fond (brown bits) left on the bottom of the pot is crucial for flavor.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to scrape up the fond, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. If the onions begin to stick, add a splash of water and continue stirring.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not let the garlic brown, as it will turn bitter.
  5. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. The paste should darken to a brick-red color, which deepens the overall umami of the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper over the onion mixture. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until the spices are toasted and aromatic. Toasting the dry spices in the fat releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor.
  7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with the wooden spoon to release any remaining browned bits. Add the seared beef and any accumulated juices back into the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, maintaining just a few lazy bubbles.
  8. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the curry simmer gently on low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid is barely bubbling; if it is boiling hard, the meat may toughen. The sauce should reduce and thicken slightly as it cooks.
  9. Once the beef is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the curry simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or a pinch of cayenne if desired.
  10. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt and butter until fully incorporated. The yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess while the butter enriches the sauce to a glossy finish. Do not add the yogurt while the curry is boiling, as it may curdle.
  11. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the curry over steamed basmati rice, with an extra dollop of yogurt on the side if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight. Freezing: The cooled curry (without yogurt garnish) freezes well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot (at least 165°F / 74°C internally). If the sauce seems too thick upon reheating, thin with a splash of water or beef broth. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Do not boil vigorously after yogurt has been added, as it may separate.

Nutrition

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