Home › Recipes › Lunch ›Jamaican ›Authentic Jamaican Curried Goat with Rice and Peas
LUNCH

Authentic Jamaican Curried Goat with Rice and Peas

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this authentic Jamaican Curried Goat. Succulent goat meat is slow-simmered in a fragrant, spice-rich curry sauce until fork-tender, then traditionally paired with fluffy rice and peas for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

✎
HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

In a large bowl, season the goat meat with 2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces.

02

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned goat meat in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove browned meat and set aside.

03

Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

04

Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of Jamaican curry powder, stirring to coat the meat. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flour to toast slightly.

05

Pour in 3 cups of water and add the whole scotch bonnet pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the goat meat is tender.

06

While the goat is simmering, prepare the rice and peas. In a separate pot, combine the 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 13.5-ounce can of coconut milk, and 2 cups of long-grain rice. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

07

After the goat has simmered, remove the scotch bonnet pepper (be careful not to break it). Stir in the 13.5-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk and simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

08

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Jamaican Curried Goat hot, spooned over the fluffy rice and peas.

About This Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this authentic Jamaican Curried Goat. Succulent goat meat is slow-simmered in a fragrant, spice-rich curry sauce until fork-tender, then traditionally paired with fluffy rice and peas for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
Authentic Jamaican Curried Goat with Rice and Peas
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
✦
♨

Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the goat meat overnight with the curry powder and spices. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash a few pieces of potato (if adding them) into the curry at the end, or create a slurry with a little cornstarch and water.
↔

Easy Substitutions

Chicken or beef can be used instead of goat meat, though cooking times will vary. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas and potatoes. If you don't have scotch bonnet, a habanero pepper can be used, but be mindful of its heat.
▱

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover curried goat and rice and peas in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of steamed callaloo or sautéed cabbage for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well. For an extra kick, offer a small dish of chopped fresh scotch bonnet or a dash of hot sauce on the side.

Common Mistakes

1. Not browning the goat meat properly: This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Ensure the pot is hot and don't overcrowd the meat. 2. Breaking the scotch bonnet pepper: This will release too much heat and make the dish overly spicy. Keep it whole for flavor infusion. 3. Not simmering long enough: Goat meat requires a long, slow cook to become tender. Rushing this step will result in tough meat. 4. Overcooking the rice and peas: This can lead to mushy rice. Follow the cooking time closely and check for doneness. 5. Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste the curry before serving and add more salt or curry powder as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding coconut milk in the last hour.

What kind of curry powder should I use?

For authentic flavor, seek out Jamaican curry powder, which typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and sometimes allspice or ginger. Regular Indian curry powder can be used but will yield a different flavor profile.

Can I add vegetables to the curry?

Absolutely! Potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers can be added during the last 30-45 minutes of simmering the goat meat.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to authentic Jamaican Curried Goat is the slow simmering process, which breaks down the tough goat meat into succulent, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The scotch bonnet pepper adds a crucial layer of fruity heat; remember to keep it whole to infuse flavor without overwhelming the dish with spice. If you prefer less heat, you can omit the pepper entirely or use a smaller piece. The flour helps to thicken the sauce, creating a rich, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the meat.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK

Reviews

☆

No reviews yet

Be the first person to review this recipe.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Made this recipe?

Tell us how it turned out.

Your review will be checked before appearing publicly.