This beef massaman curry may not have the spicy heat of some other curries, but it is packed with fabulously aromatic flavors. The slow cooked beef is meltingly tender in this delicious, comforting meal.

Bowl of beef massaman curry served over rice

This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

Like many people who grew up in Europe, I suspect, I didn't grow up with a huge diversity of Asian foods. In Edinburgh when I was little, we had pretty good Indian food (although no doubt mixed in how authentic) and very Anglicized Chinese food, but that was it.

Gradually I got to know Thai food when I was a bit older, but it was still limited. I definitely wasn't prepared for the range of delicious dishes when I went to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia on our honeymoon. In fact it started on the flight there, with beef massaman curry.

Beef massaman curry in bowl over rice from above with cilantro garnish

In fairness, I had tried massaman curry before but only a couple times, and I was still surprised by how good it was on the flight. As I've come to realize, curry in general is pretty well suited to being in-flight meals as it keeps pretty well, and a good doze of flavor is just what you need at altitude.

What was funny about our flight, though, was in every other aspect we were far from having your typical honeymoon experience.

I can't think how many people I have heard stories about getting upgrades or other boosts on their honeymoon. We had none of that, apart from some rose petals on our bed in Cambodia. I know we maybe weren't that vocal on it, but the flight was a bit lacking anyway.

The seats didn't recline and we didn't have individual screens for entertainment. I couldn't even see the shared screen unless I sat on my knees. Not ideal for a long haul flight, for sure.

However the crew seemed to appreciate the plane was a bit old and below typical standards so were very good in coming round with drinks and snacks. Plus the curry, as I say, was delicious.

Despite all the tasty food on our trip, while I make Thai green curry and Thai red curry now and then, as well as larp and green papaya salad, I rarely make massaman curry. I think it's partly that it traditionally take a bit of time to make.

However either making your own massaman curry paste ahead of time (which I highly recommend) or buying it (in a pinch) and using the slow cooker, it becomes a whole lot easier. It's also a great way of using cuts like chuck roast that have a good amount of flavor but are less tender.

Is massaman curry a Thai curry?

The exact origins are a bit debated, with some saying it is from Southern Thailand and influenced by Malaysia and India. Others believe it is a Thai interpretation of a Persian dish.

But broadly speaking yes, massaman curry is Thai. However it is probably not quite the flavor profile that you would imagine when you think of a classic Thai curry.

Unlike some other Thai curries, massaman is more about aromatic flavors than heat. But if you like your spice, don't worry - there is a bit of spice in there too.

It uses spices like cinnamon, cardamon, cloves and nutmeg that are not native to Thailand. These are then combined with more local flavors like lemongrass, ginger and coconut milk.

onions and paste for Beef massaman curry

How to make slow cooker massaman curry

All you do is:

Brown the meat and set aside.
Soften the onion.
Give the curry paste a bit of a fry with the onion.
Add the beef, paste-loaded onions, coconut milk, fish sauce and additional spices to the slow cooker along with some diced potatoes and leave it to cook.
Serve over rice for a truly delicious meal.

cooking Beef massaman curry in slow cooker

You can make it with other meats, but I think beef works particularly well. It becomes so incredibly tender cooked this way and takes on the spice flavors. I had wondered if the potatoes might fall apart but they didn't, instead absorbing flavor and color from the curry.

Massaman curry makes a delicious, hearty meal that's perfect for cooler weather. It's so wonderfully aromatic with a complex mix of spices, you'll not miss the heat. But you almost certainly will be back for more.

Try these other slow cooker meals:

Slow cooker short ribs
Lamb rogan josh
Pork carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa verde
Chinese spare ribs (slow cooker)

Plus get more Southeast Asian recipes in the archives.

Print Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes