Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich Panang curry featuring tender beef simmered in creamy coconut milk infused with kaffir lime leaves and crushed peanuts for a nutty finish. This thai-inspired curry ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, thinly sliced, Panang curry paste, (one can) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp Panang curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Slowly add 13.5 oz canned coconut milk, stirring continuously until the curry paste is well mixed and sauce begins to thicken.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin and 4 torn kaffir lime leaves. Simmer gently for 12 minutes until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar to balance saltiness and sweetness.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts over the curry. Garnish with 1 thinly sliced red chili if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts?

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 beef sirloin, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts?

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 Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts 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 Panang Beef Curry with Kaffir Lime and Peanuts?

Thai curry 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.

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