Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut
A dry-fried beef dish from Goa, cooked with roasted coconut and spices to create a smoky, intense flavor perfect for rice or bread. This indian-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs cut into bite-sized pieces beef chuck, grated coconut, dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces beef chuck
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 4 dried red chilies
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 small piece cinnamon stick
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece, minced ginger
- 1 large, thinly sliced onion
- 10 leaves curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast 1/2 cup grated coconut until golden brown and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Step 2: Roast 4 dried red chilies, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 small cinnamon stick in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. Grind these spices with the roasted coconut to a coarse powder.
- Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until deep golden and caramelized.
- Step 4: Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1-inch minced ginger, and 10 curry leaves. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb beef pieces along with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and salt to taste. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes to brown the beef.
- Step 6: Add 3/4 cup water, cover the pan, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until beef is tender and water is mostly evaporated.
- Step 7: Add the roasted coconut-spice powder and stir-fry uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the beef is coated and dry with the flavorful masala. Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated coconut from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Goan Beef Ularthiyathu with Roasted Coconut?
Indian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
