Beef Masala Recipe: A Flavorful Pakistani Delight

 A rich and spicy Beef Masala, perfect for a hearty meal with naan or rice.

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Discover how to make Beef Masala, a rich and spicy Pakistani curry with tender beef and aromatic spices. Perfect with naan, rice, or paratha!

Introduction to Beef Masala

Beef Masala is a popular and comforting Pakistani dish known for its rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The tender beef, cooked with a perfect blend of spices, creates a savory gravy that pairs beautifully with naan, paratha, or rice. This hearty dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the ultimate Beef Masala, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of spices and tenderness.

If you enjoy hearty beef dishes, also try our Beef Biryani or Beef Korma recipes!

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Why You’ll Love Beef Masala

• Flavorful and Spicy: The rich gravy, spiced with garam masala and other aromatic spices, offers a deep and robust flavor.
• Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for satisfying your cravings for a filling, flavorful meal.
• Easy to Make: While the dish has a complex flavor profile, it’s relatively simple to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile: Beef Masala can be served with a variety of sides like naan, rice, or even roti.

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Ingredients for Beef Masala

For the Beef:

• Beef (bone-in or boneless, cut into chunks): 500g
• Onion (finely sliced): 1 large
• Tomatoes (chopped or pureed): 2 medium
• Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
• Green chilies (slit or chopped): 2
• Coriander powder: 1 tsp
• Cumin powder: 1 tsp
• Red chili powder: 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: To taste
• Two tablespoons of freshly cut cilantro for garnish.

For Cooking:

• Oil or ghee: 3 tbsp
• Whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves): 1-inch stick, 2-3 pods, 4-5 cloves
• Water or beef stock: 1 to 2 cups
• Yogurt (optional for extra creaminess): 1/4 cup
• Lemon juice (optional for extra flavor): 1 tbsp

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Step-by-Step Recipe for Beef Masala

1. Prepare the Beef

1.     Heat the oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.

2.     Add the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves) to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.

3.     Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

2. Add the Ginger-Garlic Paste

1.     Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the paste to cook through and lose its raw aroma.

3. Brown the Beef

1.     Add the beef chunks to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides by cooking for about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to seal in the juices and enhances the flavor of the dish.

2.     Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef cooks evenly.

4. Add the Spices

1.     Sprinkle the coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt over the beef. Coat the steak with the spices by giving it a good stir.

2.     Cook the beef with the spices for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer

1.     Add the chopped tomatoes (or pureed tomatoes) to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the gravy.

2.     If you want a richer gravy, you can add a little bit of yogurt at this stage. Stir it in well to create a smooth consistency.

6. Cook the Beef

1.     Add water or beef stock to the pot, just enough to cover the beef. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a low setting.

2.     Let the beef simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef becomes tender and the gravy thickens. Stir occasionally, adding more water if needed to keep the gravy at the desired consistency.

3.     If you're using a pressure cooker, cook for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, or until the beef is tender.

7. Garnish and Serve

1.     Once the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking, sprinkle the garam masala powder over the dish and stir well.

2.     Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a fresh touch.

3.     Serve the Beef Masala hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

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Serving Suggestions for Beef Masala

• With Naan or Paratha: The rich and spicy beef masala pairs wonderfully with soft naan or crispy paratha.
• With Rice: Serve Beef Masala with basmati rice for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
• With Raita: A side of cooling yogurt raita can balance the heat and spice of the beef masala.
• With Salad: A fresh cucumber and onion salad complements the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing crunch.

Explore more hearty beef recipes like Beef Kofta and Beef Keema for more inspiration!

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Tips for Perfect Beef Masala

1.     Slow Cooking: Allowing the beef to cook slowly on low heat ensures it becomes tender and absorbs all the spices.

2.     Use Fresh Whole Spices: Fresh whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom infuse the dish with more robust flavors.

3.     Adjust the Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to suit your heat preference.

4.     Yogurt for Creaminess: Adding yogurt at the right stage helps thicken the gravy and makes it creamier.

5.     Pressure Cooker Shortcut: For a quicker version, use a pressure cooker to cook the beef until tender in less time.

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Beef Masala Variations

1.     Mutton Masala: Substitute beef with mutton (lamb) for a rich and tender variation of this recipe.

2.     Spicy Beef Masala: Add extra green chilies or use hot chili powder for an extra kick of spice.

3.     Beef Masala with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the masala for added texture and flavor.

4.     Beef Masala with Cashew Nuts: For a luxurious touch, grind some cashew nuts and add them to the gravy for extra richness.

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Conclusion on Beef Masala

Beef Masala is a versatile and flavorful dish that will satisfy your craving for something spicy and hearty. The tender beef, cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy, is a perfect pairing with naan, paratha, or rice. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try this Beef Masala recipe and elevate your cooking with the bold flavors of Pakistan.

For more beef-based recipes, don’t miss our Beef Biryani and Beef Haleem!

Tags:
Beef Masala, Pakistani Beef Curry, Beef Recipes, Beef Masala Recipe, Spicy Beef Curry, Pakistani Masala Dishes