Thai style Lamb Curry

This vibrant, rich curry works very well with lamb, but beef or pork would also be great. Shanks, ribs, and/or shoulder are the best slow cooking cuts for this recipe. The steady, gentle simmering will concentrate the flavor while the meat becomes fork tender.

Serves: 6-8 Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Total: 200 min
Thai style Lamb Curry

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs Lamb shank or shoulder
  • 1/2 C Yellow curry paste
  • 2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/4 C Avocado oil
  • 12 oz Coconut milk
  • 1/4 C Fish sauce
  • Water as needed
  • 1/4 C Brown sugar
  • 1 lb Carrots (peeled and cut into 2" chunks)
  • 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (skin-on, cut into 2" chunks)
  • 2 large Shallots, finely diced
  • 1 bunch Fresh basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat

    Season your meat with 2 T curry paste and 1 T fish sauce. Let sit with seasoning for 4-6 hours or overnight (refrigerated) if possible.

  2. Brown the meat

    In a medium to large pot, sear the seasoned meat in the avocado oil on medium to high heat, browning all sides. Remove the meat from pot, lower heat, and add in the remaining curry paste. Toast for 3-4 minutes until very fragrant. Add shallots and cook another 2 - 3 minutes until they soften.

  3. Start the braise

    Add the coconut milk, coconut cream, remaining fish sauce, and brown sugar. Add the meat back to the pot and bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 30-60 minutes.

  4. Add water and cook meat until tender

    As the braise cooks and the liquid reduces, add 1/4 cup of water as needed to keep enough simmering liquid on the meat. Let the meat cook until it becomes just about fork tender, where you can insert a fork and it lets go easily.

  5. Cook vegetables and finish curry

    Once the meat is just about done cooking, add the carrots and potatoes and cook until they are fork tender. Stir in the turmeric powder and top with fresh basil leaves. Tasting for seasoning and adjust to your liking. Best enjoyed with steamed Jasmine rice and your choice of chili sauce to liven it up!