Ultimate Keto Thai Beef Massaman Curry (InstantPot)

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  • prep time

    prep time

    10 min

  • cook time

    cook time

    40 min

  • ready time

    ready time

    50 min

Ultimate Keto Thai Beef Massaman Curry (InstantPot)

If you love a rich curry full of spices, you'll love a Keto Massaman curry! This Keto Thai recipe is not only gluten-free and dairy-free, but it's easy to make in an InstantPot if you are short on time. Massaman curry paste is not always easy to find, so this recipe has an easy hack by using regular red Thai curry paste with the addition of a few other spices like cinnamon, ground coriander, cumin, cloves, and cardamom. You can make this recipe in an InstantPot or pressure cooker for succulent pieces of beef; otherwise, you can also use a slow cooker, or just simmer over the stove in a dutch oven. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What is the difference between red curry paste and massaman curry paste? While a red curry paste is heavily spiced with dried red chilis, Massaman curry paste has a milder heat and is flavored with additional spices found in Indian cuisines like cinnamon, ground coriander, and cumin.

What kind of beef should I use? Beef chuck, bone-in short ribs, or any tough-cut stewing meat is a good choice for this recipe since the pressure cooker will render the meat into soft and succulent pieces.

Can I substitute any ingredients? This recipe calls for beef; however, you can use any protein of choice. Chicken, pork, and Tofu are great alternatives; however, as the meat is less tough, you won’t need to pressure cook them as you would with beef, so it would therefore be recommended to make this dish over the stove and cook until tender.

If you are sensitive to peanuts, simply omit them from the dish,

Tamarind paste brings a delicate tart and sour taste to this dish. If you do not have this ingredient, you can leave it out or substitute it with 1 tablespoon of lime juice.

What to serve with massaman curry? This dish is best served with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal, or simply on its own.

Can I freeze Massaman curry? Yes! This dish freezes very well. First, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring all of it, or dividing it into portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stove in a saucepan.

  • Net Carbs

    5.3 g

  • Fiber

    1.3 g

  • Total Carbs

    6.7 g

  • Protein

    36.8 g

  • Fats

    44.9 g

582 cals

Ultimate Keto Thai Beef Massaman Curry (InstantPot)

#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010

Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.

Download on the App Store
Get in on Google Play

Ingredients

  • Curry paste, red

    Curry paste, red

    80 g

  • Coriander Seed Ground Dried

    Coriander Seed Ground Dried

    1 tsp

  • Cumin, ground

    Cumin, ground

    1 teaspoon

  • Cinnamon, ground

    Cinnamon, ground

    1 tsp

  • Cloves, ground

    Cloves, ground

    0.25 tsp

  • Nutmeg Ground

    Nutmeg Ground

    0.13 tsp

  • Cardamom pods, whole (For flavor only)

    Cardamom pods, whole (For flavor only)

    2 piece

  • Avocado oil

    Avocado oil

    2 tbsp

  • Beef stew meat, chuck, visible fat eaten

    Beef stew meat, chuck, visible fat eaten

    1.2 kg

  • Coconut milk, plain or original, fortified

    Coconut milk, plain or original, fortified

    1 cup

  • Fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)

    Fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)

    2 tbsp

  • Erythritol Granulated

    Erythritol Granulated

    2 tsp

  • Tamarind Paste

    Tamarind Paste

    1 tsp

  • Red onion

    Red onion

    0.5 cup

  • Peanuts, dry roasted, unsalted

    Peanuts, dry roasted, unsalted

    0.25 cup

Recipe Steps

steps 7

50 min

  • Step 1

    To a bowl, add the red curry paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and cardamom pods. Stir the mixture together until well combined. Set it aside.
    Step 1
  • Step 2

    Dice the beef into 1-inch cubes. Set the InstantPot to saute. Add the oil to the base of the pot. Add the diced beef in one layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to do this in batches. Sear the meat, turning with a wooden spoon to ensure even browning. Take care not to burn the bottom. Repeat with all the meat. Transfer the meat and its juices to a bowl and set aside for the meat to rest.
    Step 2
  • Step 3

    Press saute function again. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pot and scrape all the browned jus into the water to deglaze the base. If you have burned any areas, deglaze the base and discard it. Add the red curry paste to the pot and stir in with the water to loosen. Add 1/3 cup coconut milk, and while stirring frequently, simmer for 5 minutes for the spices to develop and darken.
    Step 3
  • Step 4

    Add the remaining coconut milk to the pot and stir to mix. Add the beef and its juices, fish sauce, erythritol, and tamarind paste. Stir and coat the meat well.
    Step 4
  • Step 5

    Cancel the “saute” function. Close the InstantPot lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Set the “pressure cook” function using high pressure for 30 minutes. When ready, carefully toggle the valve to “venting” and allow natural release - about 10-15 minutes. The meat will be incredibly tender, and you will notice the oils and juices have separated and seem quite thin and liquidy; this is normal.
    Step 5
  • Step 6

    With the lid off, set the function to “saute”. Dice the onions and roughly chop the peanuts. Add them to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes for the onions to soften and for the curry sauce to thicken slightly.
    Step 6
  • Step 7

    Taste and adjust the flavor with more fish sauce or tamarind as needed. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete meal (optional). Garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
    Step 7

Comments 1

  • Sheazy1F

    Sheazy1F 2 years ago

    I made this exactly like the recipe instructed and it was absolutely fantastic! I mixed lime juice and cilantro into my cauliflower rice. I doubled the recipe for my family (3 teenaged boys, a daughter and husband) and next time I will quadruple, so we can have leftovers the next day.