Instant Pot Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty lamb stew cooked in the Instant Pot with sweet dates, bright citrus, and warming spices for deep flavor in under an hour. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 65 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, olive oil, large onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil until shimmering. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch until all sides are golden. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return browned lamb to the pot along with 2 cups chicken broth, 1/3 cup chopped Medjool dates, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 3 sliced carrots, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 40 minutes.
  6. Step 6: When cooking completes, carefully release pressure manually. Open lid and stir the stew. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with couscous or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew?

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 Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew 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 Spiced Date and Citrus Lamb Stew?

Middle Eastern lamb 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.

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