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
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
Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels — dry surfaces brown better and develop deeper flavor instead of steaming.
- 2
Combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coriander in a food processor; pulse until you have a coarse paste, about 1 minute.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4
Working in two batches, brown the lamb cubes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden on all sides — about 6 minutes per batch.
- 5
Transfer the browned lamb to a plate and set aside; discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot.
- 6
Reduce heat to medium, add the spice paste, and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker.
- 7
Pour in the coconut milk slowly, stirring to dissolve and blend with the paste; cook for 1 minute until combined.
- 8
Add the beef or lamb stock, bruised lemongrass stalks, and whole chilies; return the lamb and any accumulated juices to the pot.
- 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
Simmer gently for 60 to 70 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- 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
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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