Best Beef Rogan Josh Curry

The good news is this delicious Beef Rogan Josh recipe is keto, nut-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and egg-free. With some substitutions, it can be dairy-free.

For the perfect Rogan Josh, it should ideally be left to simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is falling apart and tender and the sauce is thick and flavourful. We prefer to slow-cook it for a few hours to enrich the flavors.

Trust us, it’s seriously yummy! Whichever method you use, it promises to satisfy both the senses and the soul, especially when served with Indian chutney, basmati rice, and Naan Bread.

When cooked slowly, the beef is fall-apart tender and packs a serious flavor punch! While this recipe calls for a lengthy list of spices, you won’t need to visit an Indian store to get them—they’re sold at the local supermarket!

We love curries, and you’re here because you love curries, too. For something a little different, why not try our Ckicken Tikka Masala or our Caribbean Chicken Curry? Serve with Buttery Garlic Rice and Buttery Naan Bread for the most amazing meal!

What’s To Love?

💕 This Beef Rogan Josh is one of the best you will try.
💕 Doesn’t require any complex cooking skills.
💕 Why buy shop-bought or splash out on restaurant meals when you can make one equally as good, if not better?
💕 Tastes as good as it looks with its rich, bold flavors.
💕 It can be slow-cooked or cooked on the stovetop.
💕 The rich spicy indulgence satisfies even the heartiest of appetites.
💕 There’s something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of curry, and adding basmati rice, Indian chutney, and naan bread takes it to another level of coziness.
💕 It is a fantastic dish for entertaining guests; if they love curry, of course!
💕 Often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
💕 Great for making in advance.
💕 The combination of spices creates an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, enhancing the anticipation and enjoyment of the meal.

Have you already tried Beef Rogan Josh Curry? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Rogan Josh Origin

Beef Rogan Josh is a beloved dish hailing from the beautiful region of Kashmir, nestled in the northern part of India. Known for its rich flavors and tender meat, this aromatic curry is a staple in Kashmiri cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its tantalizing blend of spices.

The name “Rogan Josh” itself is derived from Persian words, with “Rogan” meaning oil or fat and “josh” meaning heat or passion. True to its name, this curry is cooked with a generous amount of aromatic spices infused with oil, resulting in a luscious sauce that coats each piece of tender beef.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Meat — use chuck, skirt, leg, or flank for best results.
• Onions — use red onions to add natural sweetness.
• Ghee — ghee is better than oil or butter, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Garlic — use fresh, it adds a lot of flavor without overwhelming the curry.
• Ginger — use fresh because it gives a lovely natural aroma and mild heat to the curry.
• Tomatoes — adds red hue color to the curry.
• Tomato Puree — adds an extra deep red hue color to the curry.
• Spices — use turmeric, coriander, fresh ginger, cumin, paprika, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, and fresh coriander leaves.
• Stock — use beef stock.
• Yogurt — used for topping and to offset the curry’s heat.
• Salt — add flavor and offset the curry sweetness.
• Marinating — is optional but worth the effort. We use a combination of plain yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Meat — we often vary the curry using lamb or chicken. You can also substitute the meat for vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini (courgette), eggplant (aubergine), or various mushrooms.
• Onions — use white onion.
• Ghee — use your favorite oil or butter.
• Garlic — instead of garlic cloves, use garlic puree (paste).
• Ginger — use ginger puree (paste) for convenience.
• Stock — chicken stock can be used instead.
• Yogurt — use a dairy-free alternative.

Remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ when substituting ingredients, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Beef Rogan Josh Curry with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Beef Rogan Josh Curry is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ Rogan Josh is first prepared by cooking the onions, garlic, and ginger; then, the beef is slowly seared. When the diced beef pieces are completely seared, it’s time to add the tomatoes and tomato puree.

▶︎ After simmering for five minutes, the spices, wine, and stock are added and then simmered on the stovetop. You’ll know when the curry is ready when you can smell the fragrant sauce oozing around the whole house.

NOTE: If you prefer slow cooking, cook on low for 5-6 hours, this will help the flavors meld to perfection.

▶︎ Before serving, check that the beef is tender and the sauce is flavorful. Add more salt if needed. When you’re happy with the end result, serve with yogurt, Buttery Garlic Rice, and Naan Bread to offset the curry’s heat.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Beef Rogan Josh Curry? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Frying Pan or a Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl – to combine the sauce and use it for the marination.
• Mini Chopper – to chop the onion, garlic and ginger.
• Garlic Press – or use a mini chopper.
• Stick Blender – is a great tool to whiz up the sauce.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
• Thermapen – is a great little tool to test meat temperature.

If you love the gadgets used in this recipe, you’ll love this multi-slow cooker. It’s our go-to for many of our meats, one-post, and soup recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.

Let the 8 Portions, 8L Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker cook your meals to perfection while you get on with your day; it makes casseroles, curries, chili, soups, roasts, desserts, and more. It’s an 8-in-1 with a removable non-stick pot, steaming rack, integrated spoon & glass lid. It features slow cooking, sears, braises, steam, and more. You can gently simmer at low temps or dial up the heat to sizzle and steam.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Rogan Josh is a delicious dish and is traditionally served with basmati rice and naan bread. Here are some other suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ Soft and pillowy Naan Bread is perfect for scooping up curry and sopping up the delicious sauce. Its slightly chewy texture and subtle sweetness provide a wonderful contrast to the spicy and creamy flavors of the dish.

▶︎ Buttery Garlic Rice is another excellent choice, the fluffy grains help soak up the sauce.

NOTE: Cauliflower rice is a great substitute for basmati.

▶︎ Traditional Indian flatbreads are another excellent choice; they’re simple yet hearty texture complements the dish without overwhelming its flavors.

▶︎ Tangy and spicy pickled vegetables, such as carrots or onions, provide a zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.

▶︎ Cool and refreshing cucumber raita, made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices, provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy heat of the curry. Its creamy texture also helps balance out the richness of the dish.

▶︎ You can also serve it with boiled or steamed vegetables, roti, plantains, or a side salad for a complete meal.

▶︎ For afters, a dense, fudgy snack such as this Chocolaty Classic Rocky Road or a light cake such as this Classic Boozy Tiramisu will provide a sweet finish to this hearty meal.

More Recipes

Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:

Moroccan Style Lamb Tagine

No-Fuss Shepherd’s Pie

Yum Creamy Pesto Tagliatelle

Cheesy Crispy Chicken

⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

Beef Rogan Josh Curry

Slow-cooked Beef Rogan Josh curry prepared with succulent pieces of meat simmered in a thick, fragrant sauce. The delightful dish is characterized by its vibrant red hue, which comes from a careful balance of spices such as ground turmeric, paprika, chili, nutmeg, coriander, and more which additionally impart warmth and depth with every spoonful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 562

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

Marinating

• 300 grams Yogurt
• 3 Garlic Cloves or garlic puree (paste)
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger or ginger puree (paste)
• 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Cooking

• 500 grams Diced Beef chuck, skirt, leg, or flank
• 2 tbsp Ghee or other
• 2 Red Onions medium
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger minced
• 200 ml Canned Plum Tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tsp Ground Coriander
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Chili Powder mild or hot and preferably Kashmiri
• 1 tsp Ground Ceylon Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground Cardamom or 4 cardamon pods
• ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 2 tsp Ground Cloves
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 250 ml Beef Stock

Topping

• 250 ml Plain Yogurt
• Fresh Coriander Leaves chopped (for garnish)
• Himalayan Salt

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Mini Chopper
• Mixing Bowl
• Silicone Spatula
• Weighing Scales
• Garlic Press
• Measuring Spoons
• Thermapen

Method

 

Marination

1. In a large bowl, blend together the yogurt, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Add the beef, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
   300 grams Yogurt, 3 Garlic Cloves, 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Cooking

1. Peel onions, garlic, and ginger, then use a mini chopper to chop into small pieces.
   2 Red Onions, 4 Garlic Cloves, 2 tbsp Fresh Ginger
2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   2 tbsp Ghee
3. Add the chopped onions mix and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cubed beef to the pan and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
   500 grams Diced Beef
5. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato puree, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
   2 tbsp Tomato Puree, 200 ml Canned Plum Tomatoes
6. Add the spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper) and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
   1 tsp Turmeric Powder, 2 tsp Ground Coriander, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Ground Ceylon Cinnamon, 1 tsp Ground Cardamom, ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg, 2 tsp Ground Cloves, 1 tsp Black Pepper, Himalayan Salt
7. Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 3 hours or until the beef is tender.

   Note: Stir it occasionally and add more liquid if it dries out.

   Note: Alternatively, pour into a slow cooker and cook for 5-6 hours on low. Use a ⅓ less stock for slow cooking.
   250 ml Beef Stock
8. Remove the lid, and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce content.
9. Season with salt to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and yogurt before serving.
    250 ml Plain Yogurt, Fresh Coriander Leaves
11. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Here are some top tips to help you succeed in making a Rogan Josh like a pro:

1. Opt for a tender cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck, skirt, leg, or flank. These cuts will become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they simmer in the sauce.
2. For even more flavor, marinate the beef in yogurt, fresh minced garlic and ginger, and a splash of lemon juice for at least an hour before cooking. This helps tenderize the meat.
3. You can use any chili, but Kashmiri red chili powder is the best option. It not only imparts a vibrant red color to the curry but also adds mild heat without overwhelming the dish.
4. We recommend using good-quality organic spices; the quality can make all the difference in the final dish.
5. Simmer the curry over low heat for an extended period to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. This slow-cooking method ensures a rich and flavorful result.
6. Take your time when sautéing the onions. Cooking them slowly over low heat will develop their natural sweetness.
7. Taste the curry as it cooks and adjust the amount of chili powder or other spices according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more spice but can’t take it away, so start with a conservative amount and adjust as needed.
8. Let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to develop further and the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Traditionally, basmati is the go-to, though people suffering from low-carb torture can opt for cauliflower rice.
10. Like many stews and curries, Beef Rogan Josh tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making it a day in advance for an even more delicious meal.
11. Meat: We often vary the curry using lamb or chicken.
12. Meat Substitution: You can also substitute the meat for vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini (courgette), eggplant (aubergine), or various mushrooms.
13. Yogurt: Use a dairy-free alternative.

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Beef Rogan Josh every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.

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Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!

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