Filipino Chinese-style Massaman Curry

Ingredients

In this Filipino Chinese adaptation of Massaman Curry, we incorporate elements of Filipino Chinese cuisine to create a unique flavor profile. We use Filipino Chinese spices like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder to enhance the taste of the curry. Additionally, we may include ingredients commonly found in Filipino Chinese dishes, such as bok choy or Chinese sausage, to add a distinct twist to the traditional Thai recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Massaman Curry, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Filipino soy sauce 2 tablespoons Filipino soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Filipino oyster sauce 1 tablespoon Filipino oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste
• 400ml (1 2/3 cups) coconut milk 400ml (1 2/3 cups) coconut milk
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped 1 cup bok choy, chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef or chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the Filipino soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the Massaman curry paste and cook for a minute to release its flavors.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Add the potatoes, carrot, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Stir in the bok choy and brown sugar. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Filipino Chinese-style Massaman Curry over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or chicken — For tender meat, marinate it in Filipino soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Massaman curry paste — Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness. Add more for a hotter curry or less for a milder version.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you can't find Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, toast the Chinese five-spice powder in a dry pan for a minute before adding it to the curry.
• For a thicker curry, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the curry during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for additional variety.
• If you prefer a sweeter curry, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a tablespoon of honey.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Chinese-style Massaman Curry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany the dish with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the curry.

Presentation advice

Present the Filipino Chinese-style Massaman Curry in a deep serving dish or individual bowls. Arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the curry to create an appealing visual contrast. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the dish for an elegant touch.