Instant Pot Pakistani Beef Stew (Curry)
This Instant Pot Pakistani Beef Curry, or stew, is an easy recipe in which boneless beef stew meat is cooked alongside yogurt and whole spices. Also called Istu, or Ishto, this is a deeply flavorful yet healthy, dump-and-go Instant Pot beef recipe.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 1 hr
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped or sliced (1 large = 2 small onions))
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 6 garlic cloves ((leave whole))
- 8 dried button red chili peppers (if using regular dried chilies, use less)
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 2 whole green cardamom pods
- 1-2 whole black cardamom pods
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1+1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4-1 cup plain whole milk yogurt (Note 1)
- 1 inch ginger (crushed)
- 2 tbsp whole raw almonds
- 1 tbsp cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
To marinate: In a medium bowl, combine the beef and vinegar and add enough water to cover the meat. Set aside.
- 2
Meanwhile, add all ingredients listed under ‘To Pressure Cook’ to the Instant Pot. Drain the beef, then rinse and add to the Instant Pot. Stir to mix. (No need to add water to the Instant Pot.)
- 3
Close and seal the lid, then select the Meat/Stew Pressure Cook setting, with a timer set for 45 minutes on High Pressure. When the timer is up, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, prepare the almonds: Place the almonds in a small microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to submerge. Microwave the almonds for 1 minute, then drain the water and rinse in cold water. Peel the skin off the almond and discard.
- 5
Remove lid and Select High Sauté setting. Sauté until most of the moisture has dried up and the curry starts to thicken (~15 minutes). Gradually increase stirring as time goes on to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- 6
Add the crushed ginger and peeled almonds and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the oil starts to separate from the curry. Taste and adjust salt. Cancel Sauté setting. Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan, roti, or other bread. Discard whole spices as you eat.