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Ingredient guide

Beef

Nihari, qeema, kabab, burgers and stir-fries. Tough, collagen-rich cuts want hours; tender cuts want a very hot pan and a short time.

Popular recipes

Cook with beef

All 17
Overhead view of smash burgersAmerican

Smash Burgers

Thin beef patties smashed onto a very hot pan for a lacy, crusted edge, stacked with cheese and pickles in a soft bun.

20 minServes 4
Overhead view of beef bulgogiKorean

Beef Bulgogi

Thin slices of beef marinated in soy, pear, garlic and sesame, then seared hot for caramelised edges.

50 minServes 4
Overhead view of beef nihariPakistani

Beef Nihari

Beef shank slow-cooked in a spiced gravy thickened with toasted flour. A weekend project that mostly cooks itself.

4 h 30 minServes 6
Pot of Pakistani beef pulao with golden basmati rice, beef pieces, browned onions and fresh herbsPakistani

Beef Pulao with Browned Onions and Whole Spices

A everyday-style Pakistani pulao where beef is browned with onions and yogurt, then cooked with basmati in its own rich stock. Fragrant, full of flavour and made in one pot.

2 h 15 minServes 4
A karahi of spiced beef mince with green capsicum pieces, ginger and fresh coriander, served with rotisPakistani

Shimla Mirch Keema (Spiced Minced Beef with Capsicum)

Tender spiced beef mince cooked down with onions and tomatoes, then finished with crisp-tender capsicum for a fresh, green bite. A quick weeknight dinner that goes well with hot rotis.

1 h 10 minServes 4
A karahi of keema karela with browned bitter gourd pieces in spiced beef mince, topped with coriander and gingerPakistani

Keema Karela (Bitter Gourd with Spiced Minced Beef)

Salted and browned bitter gourd cooked into a savoury beef mince masala with onions and tomatoes. The keema softens the bitterness, so it suits both karela lovers and doubters.

1 h 20 minServes 4

Cooking tips

  • Shank and shin for nihari and slow curries; sirloin for bulgogi and stir-fries.
  • Slice against the grain for tender strips.
  • Pat dry and don’t crowd the pan when searing.

Substitutions

  • Mutton or lamb for beef in curries
  • Chicken mince for beef mince, cooked through fully

Storage

Raw steaks and cuts keep 3–5 days refrigerated; mince 1–2 days. Freeze up to 6 months.

Preparation

Freeze for 30 minutes before slicing thinly. Trim silver skin from curry cuts; leave some fat for flavour.