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Spicy Beef Vindaloo

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  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Curry
  • Method: Stovetop, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Beef Vindaloo is a bold, flavorful Indian curry made with tender beef, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat. Slow-cooked in a rich, tangy sauce, this one-skillet dish delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. Perfect with basmati rice or naan!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Marinade:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

For the Curry Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef stock

For Serving:

  • Cooked basmati rice
  • Naan bread
  • Plain Greek yogurt, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  1. In a large bowl, mix vinegar, mustard powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and cumin.
  2. Add beef chunks, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Curry Base

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil and sauté onions until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
  2. Stir in garlic and ground ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add tomato paste, stirring to coat the onions.

Step 4: Simmer the Vindaloo

  1. Return seared beef to the skillet. Pour in beef stock and bring to a simmer.
  2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 60-90 minutes, until beef is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice, with naan on the side, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for balance.

Notes

  • Want it spicier? Increase cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add chopped fresh chilies.
  • For extra tenderness, marinate beef overnight.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.