Massaman Beef Noodle Soup with Rice Noodles
Melting beef shin in a warm spiced coconut broth ladled over rice noodles, with crunchy beansprouts and lime.
Made with Massaman curry paste and Homemade beef stock. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hrs 30
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £5.88 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef in two batches for 4 minutes each. Set aside.
8 min - 2
Add your ready made Massaman curry paste (see the base recipe) to the pot and fry for 2 minutes until it darkens.
2 min - 3
Return the beef and pour in your ready made beef stock (see the base recipe). Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour 45 minutes, until the beef is very tender.
105 min - 4
Add the coconut milk, tamarind, fish sauce and palm sugar and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust.
10 min - 5
Cook the rice noodles following the packet instructions, drain and divide between bowls.
- 6
Ladle over the beef and broth. The broth must be steaming hot all the way through.
- 7
Top with beansprouts, spring onions and coriander and serve with lime wedges.
Tips
- Beef shin gives a gelatinous, rich broth. Braising steak also works but needs less time.
- Cook the noodles separately and add at the end, or they absorb the broth and turn mushy.
- Add a handful of fried shallots on top for crunch.
Storing and freezing
Keep the beef broth and noodles separately. Cool within 1 to 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze the broth for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make it in a pressure cooker?
Yes. Cook the beef and stock for 45 minutes at high pressure, then add the coconut milk and seasonings and simmer.
Can I use ordinary noodles?
Egg noodles or wheat noodles work but then the soup is no longer gluten or egg free.
Is it spicy?
No, it is mild and warmly spiced. Add chilli flakes or fresh chilli at the table.
More made with massaman curry paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.