Beef Panang Curry
A rich and flavorful Thai Beef Panang Curry, featuring tender beef simmered in creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices for a comforting meal. Perfect for any night of the week!

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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.

Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the Panang curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Add the sliced beef to the skillet, stirring until the beef is browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and add the torn kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 7
Finally, stir in the Thai basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.
Allow the curry to simmer longer for richer flavors, if time permits.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove for the best texture; add a bit of coconut milk if it thickens.
Substitutions
- Use chicken or tofu instead of beef.
- Replace Thai basil with regular basil if unavailable.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Thai cucumber salad
- Roti or naan bread
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the beef can make it tough, so watch the cooking time closely.
- Not using enough curry paste may result in a bland dish. Adjust according to taste.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak or chuck roast can be good alternatives to sirloin.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Beef Panang Curry?
Yes, it freezes well; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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