Description
A rich, bold beef vindaloo made in one pan with tender beef simmered in a deeply spiced, tangy sauce that tastes restaurant-quality yet is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
3 tablespoons neutral oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup low-sodium beef stock (plus more as needed)
Optional for serving: basmati rice, naan, plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook until deeply browned and caramelized.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground mustard, cayenne, ginger, and cinnamon. Cook until spices bloom.
- Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Pour in apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Add beef stock and return the beef to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add additional stock if needed. Cook until beef is tender and sauce is thick.
- Adjust seasoning and vinegar balance if needed, then remove from heat.
Notes
Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender during long simmering.
Omit cayenne for a milder vindaloo.
Flavors deepen even more when made a day ahead.
Simmer uncovered briefly to thicken the sauce if needed.
A splash of stock helps loosen leftovers when reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
