This Vietnamese goat curry is a rich and aromatic dish that combines tender goat meat with a flavorful curry paste made from fresh herbs and spices. The recipe includes coconut cream, yoghurt, and milk for a creamy texture, and is best served with steamed jasmine rice or baguette. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that showcases the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese Goat Curry recipe

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Prep Time
35min
Cook Time
2hr 0min
Total Time
2hr 35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = One portion of curry served with rice or baguette)

Main Ingredients

  • goat meat, with skin and bone, cut into 4 x 2 cm pieces
    goat meat, with skin and bone, cut into 4 x 2 cm pieces
    2kg
  • ground galangal
    ground galangal
    1tbsp
  • salt, or to taste
    salt, or to taste
    3tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1 1/2tbsp
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    1tbsp
  • butter
    butter
    1tsp
  • fresh curry leaves
    fresh curry leaves
    10sprigs
  • plain yoghurt
    plain yoghurt
    2tbsp
  • chicken stock
    chicken stock
    250mL
  • milk
    milk
    250mL
  • tinned coconut cream
    tinned coconut cream
    540mL
  • rice paddy herb and steamed jasmine rice or baguette, to serve
    rice paddy herb and steamed jasmine rice or baguette, to serve
    1

Curry Paste

  • piece galangal, peeled
    piece galangal, peeled
    6cm
  • piece turmeric, peeled
    piece turmeric, peeled
    3cm
  • lemongrass stalk, white part only
    lemongrass stalk, white part only
    1
  • onion, chopped
    onion, chopped
    1
  • coriander roots, scrubbed
    coriander roots, scrubbed
    4
  • garlic
    garlic
    4clove
  • dried small red chilies, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes
    dried small red chilies, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes
    5
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    2tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tbsp
  • cinnamon stick
    cinnamon stick
    1
  • black peppercorns
    black peppercorns
    2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp

How to make Vietnamese Goat Curry

Prepare Curry Paste

  1. Step 1

    Cut the galangal, turmeric, and lemongrass into 1 cm pieces. Dry fry the galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, onion, coriander root, and garlic in a wok over high heat until softened, well browned, and aromatic. Add water if needed to prevent over-browning. Remove and cool.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the cooled ingredients to a mortar, add the soaked and drained chilies, and pound into a paste.

  3. Step 3

    Wet the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, and peppercorns slightly with water. Dry fry them in a wok over medium-high heat until toasted and fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder, then mix the powder with the wet paste. Set aside.

Cook Goat Meat

  1. Step 1

    Place the goat pieces in a large saucepan with galangal powder, 1 teaspoon each of salt and sugar, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming the surface as needed. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Strain and set the meat aside.

Prepare Curry

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan over low-medium heat. Fry the curry paste and curry leaves until fragrant, then stir in the yoghurt.

  2. Step 2

    Add the goat meat, chicken stock, milk, coconut cream, remaining salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a very low simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes or until the goat is very tender.

  3. Step 3

    Serve with rice paddy herb and steamed jasmine rice or baguette.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

1912.5kcal (95.63%)

Protein

120.0g (100%)

Carbs

30.0g (10.91%)

Sugars

7.5g (15%)

Healthy Fat

65.3g

Unhealthy Fat

80.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use fresh curry leaves for the best flavor.

  2. If goat meat is unavailable, you can substitute with lamb or beef.

  3. Adjust the level of salt and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

  4. Pounding the curry paste in a mortar enhances the flavor compared to using a blender.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a blender instead of a mortar for the curry paste?

    Yes, you can use a blender, but pounding the paste in a mortar gives a more authentic texture and flavor.

  2. What can I substitute for goat meat?

    You can substitute goat meat with lamb or beef for similar results.

  3. How do I store leftover curry?

    Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

  4. Can I make this curry less spicy?

    Yes, reduce the number of dried chilies in the curry paste to make it less spicy.

  5. What is rice paddy herb?

    Rice paddy herb is a fragrant herb commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. If unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with fresh cilantro.

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Chef Miška Tolj-Turkić

(@chefmiska)

Chef Miška Tolj-Turkić is a Croatian/Australian dual citizen, born in Western Australia, who's families migrated from Croatia in the 1920s. Originally raised in the lush

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