Jamaican "Curry Goat"

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Jamaican

A flavorful Jamaican-inspired curry featuring tender veal, aromatic spices, and a tangy lime finish, perfect for hearty meals and gatherings with bold tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless veal stew meat
  • flour
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • pinch bouillon
  • 2 c chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp lime or lemon juice
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 c minced scallions

Instructions

  1. Dust the veal in flour.
  2. Brown the veal in very hot oil.
  3. Remove the veal and toss in crushed garlic and minced onion.
  4. When the onion is transparent, stir in curry powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and ginger.
  5. Cook, stirring over low heat.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and add bouillon, then bring to a simmer, stirring up all the browned bits with a wooden spoon.
  7. Return the meat to the skillet and baste with the broth.
  8. Cover tightly and simmer over low heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
  9. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and add water or stock if the sauce seems too thick.
  10. Stir in lime or lemon juice and season with salt to taste.
  11. Just before serving, sprinkle with minced scallions.
  12. Serve with chutney and small dishes of chopped egg yolk, chopped egg white, ground peanuts, and shredded coconut.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the veal in lime juice and spices for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking. For a different twist, try using chicken instead of veal, which would make it similar to other chicken recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the curry goat with steamed rice or rice and peas for a traditional pairing. It also pairs beautifully with chutney and small dishes of chopped egg yolk, chopped egg white, ground peanuts, and shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. Consider a side of fried plantains for a sweet contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing in a suitable container.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jamaican "Curry Goat" contains roughly 192 calories, with 6g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

192 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 14g 18% DV
Carbs 15.4g 6% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 520.4mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4% DV
Calcium 259.8mg 20% DV
Iron 17.2mg 96% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in goat meat, but be prepared for a longer cooking time. The bones add flavor and richness to the sauce, but ensure that the meat is tender before serving.

What if I can't find curry powder?

If you can't find curry powder, you can make your own blend using turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a dash of cinnamon. This will provide a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, consider using a pre-made Jamaican curry spice mix if available.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper or include fresh chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, which are traditional in Jamaican cooking. Just be cautious and add gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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