When it comes to authentic Jamaican cuisine, few dishes can rival the rich, bold flavors of curry goat. A staple at special occasions like weddings, parties, and festive events, curry goat is a highly revered dish in Jamaican culture. The meat is seasoned to perfection with a unique blend of spices and slow-cooked to tender, juicy goodness. This guide will show you how to make a mouthwatering Jamaican curry goat recipe that is sure to impress your guests.
What is Jamaican Curry Goat?
Curry goat is a traditional Jamaican dish that features goat meat marinated with various spices and herbs such as scallion, garlic, ginger, thyme, onions, and the iconic scotch bonnet pepper. The key ingredient, of course, is Jamaican curry powder, which imparts a vibrant yellow color and a distinct, aromatic flavor. Slowly simmered until tender, the meat absorbs all the spices, resulting in a rich, flavorful curry with a thick and creamy sauce.
Unlike many other dishes that are common in Jamaican households, curry goat is often reserved for special occasions. It’s more expensive than chicken or beef, making it a delicacy that’s appreciated even more on significant events such as weddings, parties, and even funerals.
Is It Goat Curry or Curry Goat?
In Jamaica, it’s crucial to refer to the dish correctly—it’s curry goat, not goat curry. While other Caribbean countries might reverse the name, Jamaicans take pride in their cultural traditions, and the dish is firmly called curry goat.
How to Cook Jamaican Curry Goat
Cooking Jamaican curry goat takes time and patience, but the effort is well worth it. The goat meat must be properly cleaned and seasoned to develop its full flavor, and slow cooking is essential to achieve the desired tenderness.
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Goat Meat
Start by washing the goat meat thoroughly using vinegar and lime or lemon juice. This helps to remove any residual odor from the meat, a step that’s crucial in preparing goat. Drain the water and pat the meat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Seasoning is the heart of Jamaican curry goat. To season the meat, use the following ingredients:
- 2½ lb goat meat
- 2½ tbsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- 6 pimento berries (crushed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks scallion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
Rub the seasoning into the meat, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover and let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal to ensure that the flavors fully permeate the meat.
Step 3: Searing the Meat
In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of curry powder to the oil and stir for about 30 seconds, releasing the flavors without burning the curry powder. Next, add the seasoned goat meat to the pot and sear it on all sides. This step locks in the flavor and gives the meat a rich color.
Step 4: Slow-Cooking for Tenderness
Once the meat is well-seared, add enough water to cover the goat and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the meat to cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow-cooking process is essential to break down the connective tissue in the goat, making it tender and juicy.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Finish the Dish
After the meat has cooked for about an hour, add 1 large potato, peeled and diced, along with more fresh thyme. Continue simmering until the potato is soft and the sauce has thickened. The bone marrow from the goat will enhance the flavor of the sauce, making it even more delicious.
Which Part of the Goat is Best for Curry Goat?
For the best flavor and texture, you want to use cuts of goat that have bones, as the bones release marrow during the cooking process, adding richness to the sauce. The best parts of the goat for this dish are:
- Shank
- Leg
- Shoulder
- Neck
These cuts are ideal for long, slow-cooking and become tender and flavorful over time.
What to Serve with Jamaican Curry Goat
The classic side dish to pair with curry goat is rice and peas. The subtle sweetness of the coconut-infused rice perfectly balances the spiciness of the curry, creating a harmonious flavor combination. In addition to rice and peas, boiled green bananas or hard food (which includes boiled dumplings, yams, and potatoes) are also popular options.
Jamaican Curry Goat Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need for the recipe:
- 2½ lb (1.13 kg) goat meat
- 2½ tbsp Jamaican curry powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (finely chopped)
- 6 pimento berries (crushed)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks scallion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 large potato (peeled and diced)
- Cooking oil
- Water
- 1 lime or lemon (for washing the meat)
- 2 tbsp vinegar (for washing the meat)
Instructions for Cooking Jamaican Curry Goat
- Wash the meat: Rinse the goat meat thoroughly with water, vinegar, and lime or lemon juice. Drain and pat dry.
- Season the goat: In a large bowl, season the goat meat with 1½ tbsp curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, pimento, ginger, scallion, onion, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat, cover, and marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Sear the meat: In a pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat and stir in 1 tbsp curry powder. Add the seasoned goat meat and sear on all sides.
- Cook the goat: Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours or until tender.
- Add vegetables: After an hour, add diced potato and fresh thyme. Simmer until the potato is cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Pair with rice and peas, boiled green bananas, or any of your favorite sides.
Final Thoughts
Making Jamaican curry goat at home is a rewarding experience that captures the essence of Jamaican cooking. By carefully preparing the goat meat, using authentic Jamaican curry powder, and slow-cooking the dish, you’ll achieve a rich, flavorful curry that’s perfect for any special occasion. Pair it with traditional sides like rice and peas or boiled green bananas for an unforgettable meal.
