Panang curry beef with coconut milk, garnished with Thai basil and red pepper

Thai curry

panang curry beef with coconut milk

By:

WordofMany

Published:

30 Oct 2025

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Remember that time I tried street food in Bangkok? Oh man, what a blast! I stumbled upon this little cart, practically overflowing with fragrant curries and spices. The Panang curry was so good that I made sure to take notes. I knew I had to recreate it back home, with my own little twist of course!
Close-up shot of beef simmering in Panang curry sauce, vibrant with red chilies and coconut milk
Panang curry is a milder, richer cousin of red curry, characterized by its creamy coconut milk base and subtle peanut undertones. This version, featuring tender beef, is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. It’s surprisingly easy to make, too, so don't let the exotic name scare you. Seriously, if I can do it, you can definitely do it!
A bowl of Panang curry beef served with jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro
And hey, if you are worried about making a mess, don’t! We’ve all been there, right? My first try was, let’s say, ‘interesting’ – curry everywhere! But each attempt gets better, and soon, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality Panang curry like a pro. What does this mean for you? Deliciousness, pure and simple.
Ingredients for Panang curry arranged on a wooden board, including beef slices, coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables

Required Equipments

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Serving bowls

Panang Curry Beef with Coconut Milk: Frequently Asked Questions

Panang Curry Beef with Coconut Milk

Experience the exotic flavors of Thailand with this Panang Curry Beef recipe, featuring tender beef simmered in creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices. A delightful dish that's both comforting and rich in flavor.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Slice 1 pound of beef sirloin (or your preferred cut) into thin strips. Marinate with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This tenderizes the beef and adds a lovely savory note.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Seriously don't let it burn!
  3. Add the curry paste: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Panang curry paste (adjust to your spice preference). Cook for another minute, allowing the paste to release its aromatic oils. The aroma should be intoxicating!
  4. Brown the beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry until browned on all sides. Aim for a nice sear to lock in the flavors. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Simmer in coconut milk: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Add vegetables (optional): If desired, add some sliced bell peppers, bamboo shoots, or snow peas during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering. These add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. I’m so glad I saw it online.
  7. Season and finish: Season the curry with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option), 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped red chilies (optional), and a drizzle of coconut cream. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice. You’ll think you were actually in Bangkok.

📝 Notes

  • Adjust the amount of curry paste to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use less paste.
  • If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, or snow peas.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 30 g

Fat: 30 g

Carbohydrates: 25 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 50 mg

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