Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk
Tender lamb pieces simmered in a fragrant blend of Indian spices and creamy coconut milk, prepared quickly in the Instant Pot for a rich, comforting curry. This indian-inspired instant pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz), full fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- 2 cups cooked, for serving basmati rice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Step 3: Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Stir well to coat lamb in spices and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk and 1 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Close lid and set Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
- Step 5: Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Open lid, stir curry, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot over 2 cups cooked basmati rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Instant Pot Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Coconut Milk?
Indian instant pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
