Jamaican curry goat recipe is a dish that draws you in with rich spices, tender meat, and an irresistible aroma. A beloved recipe in Jamaican cuisine, curry goat brings together a bold combination of curry, allspice, and thyme, simmered with scotch bonnet peppers and other aromatics. This comforting and celebratory dish takes a bit of time but rewards every effort with its mouthwatering flavors. If you’ve been looking for a goat curry recipe that’s authentic and delicious, this one’s for you!
Curry Goat Recipe
Cuisine: Indian, JamaicanDifficulty: Medium4-6
servings20
minutes2
hours450
kcalThis traditional curry goat recipe captures the authentic flavors of Jamaican cuisine with tender, marinated goat meat, slow-cooked in a medley of fragrant spices. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Goat Curry
Goat meat, cubed: 2 lbs
Curry powder: 3 tbsp
Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
Onion, chopped: 1 medium
Green onions, chopped: 3
Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional): 1
Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs
Allspice (pimento): 1 tsp
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Coconut oil or vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
Water or beef broth: 2 cups
Fresh ginger, minced: 1-inch piece
- Marinade
Lime or lemon juice: 2 tbsp
Curry powder: 1 tbsp
Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs
Directions
- Marinate the Goat: In a large bowl, coat goat meat with lime juice, thyme, and 1 tbsp of curry powder. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Prepare Aromatics: In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add the remaining curry powder to “burn” (toast) it for a minute to bring out the flavor.
- Cook the Meat: Add the marinated goat to the pot, stirring to coat in the toasted curry. Sauté for about 10 minutes, allowing it to brown on all sides.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in garlic, onion, green onions, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, thyme, and allspice. Add water or broth to cover the meat.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should be tender, and the sauce thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pair with rice and peas or roti for a classic Jamaican meal.
Notes
- Scotch Bonnet Spice: This pepper adds authentic heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, use half or substitute with a milder pepper.
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, let the goat meat marinate overnight.
Tips for the perfect Curry Goat Recipe
- Burn the Curry Powder: Toasting the curry in oil enhances its flavor. Be careful not to burn it, just toast until fragrant.
- Slow Cook for Tenderness: Goat meat is tough, so simmer it low and slow for at least 2 hours for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Add Potatoes: For extra heartiness, add potatoes about halfway through the cooking process to absorb the rich flavors.
Recipe Variants
- Trinidad-Style Curry Goat: Add potatoes and reduce the cooking liquid for a thicker consistency.
- Indian Goat Curry: Swap Jamaican curry powder with garam masala and cumin for an Indian-inspired take.
FAQ
Jamaican curry goat uses local spices like allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a unique, fragrant profile with a subtle, satisfying heat.
Yes, lamb or beef can work well, though the taste will vary slightly.
Goat is leaner than most meats, high in protein, and lower in fat, making it a nutritious choice!
Absolutely! After browning the goat and aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
If you enjoyed this curry goat recipe, you might also like our Golden Curry Recipe—another flavorful, hearty dish with an unexpected kick and plenty of comforting spices.
Making this curry goat recipe offers a journey to the heart of Jamaican flavors. Each bite delivers tender, flavorful goat, infused with spices and balanced with just the right amount of heat. This Jamaican curry goat is a go-to dish for any celebration or simply when you crave something warm and hearty. Serve it with rice and peas, and experience the true taste of island cooking right at home!
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