Curried Thai Beef with Peanut Sauce

Curried Thai Beef with Peanut Sauce is a rich, savory-sweet dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a fragrant Thai-style curry and finished with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Served over rice or noodles with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies, it’s a vibrant meal that brings bold Thai flavors to your kitchen in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a fusion of comforting curry warmth and the nutty, slightly sweet complexity of peanut sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re a Thai food lover or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-style results with minimal effort. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your choice of veggies, spice level, and protein.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the curried beef:

• Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper
• Thai red curry paste
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Coconut milk
• Soy sauce or fish sauce
• Lime juice
• Oil for cooking

For the peanut sauce:

• Creamy peanut butter
• Coconut milk
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Rice vinegar or lime juice
• Thai red curry paste (or chili garlic sauce for heat)
• Water (to thin as needed)

For serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
• Crushed peanuts
• Cucumber slices or shredded carrots
• Lime wedges

directions

1. Marinate the beef (optional):
   Toss sliced beef with a bit of soy sauce and curry paste. Let sit for 15–30 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
2. Sear the beef:
   Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the curry base:
   In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then stir in red curry paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add coconut milk and season:
   Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add soy or fish sauce and lime juice. Return beef to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until tender and coated in sauce.
5. Make the peanut sauce:
   In a saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar/lime, and curry paste. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened. Add water to thin if needed.
6. Assemble and serve:
   Serve curried beef over rice or noodles. Drizzle with peanut sauce and top with herbs, peanuts, and fresh veggies.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: approx. 40 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or baby spinach.
• Make it spicier with extra chili paste or Thai bird’s eye chilies.
• Use almond butter for a different nutty twist.
• Serve as lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing due to coconut milk separation.

FAQs

What type of beef works best?

Sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak are ideal—thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! Adjust the amount of red curry paste to suit your spice preference.

Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?

Yes, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and sweetness.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or half-and-half in a pinch, but coconut milk gives the best flavor.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—if using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verifying all store-bought ingredients.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock or soy sauce.

Do I have to use both curry and peanut sauce?

The combo gives the dish depth and richness, but you can use just one or the other if preferred.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well. Store components separately for best results.

What rice pairs best?

Jasmine or basmati rice work well. Rice noodles are also a great choice.

What other toppings work?

Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage are all great options.

Conclusion

Curried Thai Beef with Peanut Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that brings the best of Thai cuisine to your table. With tender beef, creamy curry, and a savory peanut drizzle, it’s bold, balanced, and easy to make. Perfect for when you want something comforting yet exotic, this one’s sure to impress family and guests alike.

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