Panang Curry with Beef and Shiitakes

Panang Curry with Beff and Shiitakes recipe

Serves 4

by Robert Danhi
from Fine Cooking
Issue 110
Last Edit Date: 3/3/2011 11:48:44 AM

Chinese long beans add a crunchy element to this hearty beef and mushroom curry. If you can't find them, substitute regular green beans.Or create your own customized Thai curry with the Recipe Maker.

more about:

1 (13.5- to 14-oz.) can coconut milk
1/4 cup Panang curry paste
1 cup lower-salt chicken broth, or homemade chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbs. light brown sugar or light brown palm sugar; more as needed
1 tsp. fish sauce; more as needed
1-1/2 cups bite-size Chinese long bean pieces
3 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed, bruised, and cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces
1 lb. flank steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick bite-size slices
1-1/2 cups stemmed, halved or quartered shiitake mushrooms
1 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh or thawed frozen wild lime leaves
Whole Italian or Thai basil leaves, for garnish

Shake the can of coconut milk or stir it well (this creates a consistent thickness, since the fat often solidifies at the top of the can).

In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan or wok over medium heat, simmer 1/2 cup of the coconut milk, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. It will get very thick and shiny and may or may not separate; either is fine.

Add the curry paste, whisk well, and cook, continuing to whisk, for 1 minute. Whisk in the broth, sugar, fish sauce, and remaining coconut milk. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Add the Chinese long beans and lemongrass pieces and continue to simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary. After 2 minutes, add the beef and shiitakes and continue to simmer until everything is tender and cooked through, about 3 minutes more.

Remove the curry from the heat. Season to taste with more sugar and fish sauce, and stir in the lime leaves. Transfer to a serving bowl (or serve right out of the pot). Remove the lemongrass pieces or tell your guests to eat around them. Garnish with the basil.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 440; Fat (g): 28; Fat Calories (kcal): 250; Saturated Fat (g): 21; Protein (g): 24; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Carbohydrates (g): 26; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 0.5; Sodium (mg): 620; Cholesterol (mg): 50; Fiber (g): 3;