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Gulai Kambing

A rich, aromatic Indonesian lamb stew simmered in coconut milk and spices until tender. Serve with rice to soak up the deeply savory sauce.

Total time
90 min
Servings
4
Calories
520
Protein
52g
Gulai Kambing
indonesianlambcurrycoconut milkcomfort food

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 4 medium shallots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 400 ml coconut milk, full-fat
  • 250 ml beef or lamb stock
  • 2 stalks fresh lemongrass stalks, white part only, bruised
  • 2 whole long red chilies, whole or halved lengthwise

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels — dry surfaces brown better and develop deeper flavor instead of steaming.

  2. 2

    Combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coriander in a food processor; pulse until you have a coarse paste, about 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Working in two batches, brown the lamb cubes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden on all sides — about 6 minutes per batch.

  5. 5

    Transfer the browned lamb to a plate and set aside; discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot.

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to medium, add the spice paste, and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker.

  7. 7

    Pour in the coconut milk slowly, stirring to dissolve and blend with the paste; cook for 1 minute until combined.

  8. 8

    Add the beef or lamb stock, bruised lemongrass stalks, and whole chilies; return the lamb and any accumulated juices to the pot.

  9. 9

    Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and partially cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam.

  10. 10

    Simmer gently for 60 to 70 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

  11. 11

    Taste and season with salt and pepper; remove the lemongrass stalks and whole chilies if you prefer less heat, or leave them for aroma.

  12. 12

    Serve hot in shallow bowls with white jasmine rice, spooning the rich coconut sauce over the top.

Tools you’ll need

  • food processor
  • large heavy-bottomed pot or 5-quart Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • paper towels
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups

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