Jamaican Goat Curry in the Slow Cooker
Ever tried goat? I’ll admit, it can be a bit of a challenging meat. It took me quite a few visits to my butchers before I finally learnt how to use it properly. Through experimenting, I’ve learnt that it requires an extended, slow cooking method in order to make it tender. The meat itself is incredibly flavoursome, and excellent when paired with bold flavours. Goat Curry is a popular dish in the Caribbean, so that’s exactly where my influences came from when creating this recipe.
Slow Cooker Jamaican Goat Curry
Equipment
- Large pan
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 large white onion finely diced
- 8 garlic cloves crushed
- 100 g ginger grated
- 4 scotch bonnet chillies use less if you prefer your curries less spicy, deseeded and chopped
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 500 g goat shoulder meat chopped into cubes
- A few sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 x 400ml can chopped tomatoes
- 400 ml beef stock
- Juice of half a lime
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pan. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, and chilli, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add the goat meat to the pan and lightly brown on the outside. Throw in the allspice, cumin, and coriander, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the contents of the pan into your slow cooker. Add the thyme, bay leaves, chopped tomatoes, and beef stock, and stir. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Finish and Serve: When ready to serve, squeeze in the lime juice and garnish with plenty of fresh coriander.
Notes
- Adjust the number of scotch bonnet chillies based on your spice preference.
- This curry pairs well with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Goat meat can be substituted with lamb if preferred.
Why Choose Goat Meat?
Goat meat, while less common in Western kitchens, is one of the most widely consumed red meats globally. It’s incredibly lean, lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, pork, or lamb, and high in protein, iron, and B vitamins. For anyone following a Paleo lifestyle, it fits right in — especially if you can source pasture-raised or organic goat. Because of its lower fat content, it benefits from gentle, moist cooking methods to really shine.
What Makes Jamaican Goat Curry So Special?
Jamaican cuisine is known for its rich, bold, and aromatic spices. When applied to goat meat, these flavours complement the natural richness of the meat and balance it with warmth, heat, and depth. The traditional blend typically includes allspice, thyme, ginger, and Scotch bonnet chillies. In this Paleo version, we skip any sugar, legumes, or processed ingredients — but the essence of the dish remains intact: deeply satisfying, fragrant, and hearty.
Slow Cooking: The Secret to Tender Goat
One of the most important things to know when working with goat is that it really needs time. This is not a cut-and-fry kind of meat. It thrives when it’s left to gently bubble away for hours, allowing the connective tissue to soften and the meat to fall off the bone. A slow cooker or crockpot is ideal, but you can also use a heavy cast-iron pot on the stovetop or in the oven on low heat. In fact, letting the curry cook low and slow ensures all the spices have time to mingle and infuse every bite.
What to Serve with Jamaican Goat Curry
While traditional versions may come with rice and peas, in keeping with a Paleo approach, there are plenty of satisfying alternatives:
- Cauliflower rice – a light, low-carb substitute that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Mashed sweet potato – offers a slightly sweet contrast to the spices in the curry.
- Roasted plantains – a nod to Caribbean tradition, and a delicious, naturally sweet pairing.
- Steamed greens or sautéed spinach – a nutrient-dense and colourful addition to your plate.
Tips for Cooking with Goat
Here are a few extra tips to help make your Jamaican Goat Curry a consistent success:
- Brown the meat first: A quick sear in a hot pan before transferring to the slow cooker helps add depth and a slight caramelised flavour.
- Let the curry rest: Like most curries, the flavour improves even more if you let it sit overnight and reheat the next day. Great for meal prep!
- Remove excess fat: Goat is lean, but some cuts still contain connective tissue and bits of fat that are best trimmed before cooking.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the chillies — you can always add a little more later.
Customise Your Spice Blend
Every Jamaican household has its own version of curry goat, and you can easily make this recipe your own by adjusting the spice blend. Common additions include:
- Fresh ginger and garlic
- Ground cumin and coriander
- Bay leaves and cinnamon
- Lime juice or zest for brightness
Feel free to play around with what you have in your pantry — just keep the bold, earthy base flavours intact for that authentic Jamaican taste.
Where to Buy Goat Meat in Australia
Goat meat is increasingly available in Australia, especially from independent butchers, farmers markets, and online meat suppliers. Some areas with larger African, Caribbean, or Middle Eastern communities also have specialty butchers who carry goat regularly. Ask your local butcher if they can source it for you — many are happy to bring it in upon request. Look for cuts like shoulder, neck, or leg, which are best for slow cooking and rich stews like this one.
Leftovers and Freezing
This curry stores beautifully, and in fact, the flavour often improves after a day or two. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat until bubbling, or microwave gently, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
A Dish Worth Sharing
If you’re entertaining friends who’ve never tried goat before, this is a fantastic recipe to showcase it. It’s warming, generous, and pairs perfectly with all sorts of sides and condiments. Serve it at your next dinner party or family lunch, and you might convert a few goat-sceptics in the process!
Goat: A Sustainable Choice
Beyond its culinary appeal, goat meat is also a more sustainable red meat option. Goats require less feed and water compared to cattle, and they can graze in arid conditions unsuitable for other livestock. Supporting local goat farmers contributes to more diverse, regenerative agricultural practices — all while enjoying a delicious, nutrient-rich meal that supports your health.
Try It and Let Me Know
If this recipe has inspired you to try goat for the first time, or if you’ve already made your own twist on this dish, I’d love to hear about it. Share your feedback or variations in the comments below — and don’t forget to let me know if you’ve found any other unusual meats that are worth slow-cooking Paleo-style!
