Lamb and Lemongrass Curry with Coconut Milk

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

Tender lamb slow-cooked in a fragrant lemongrass and coconut curry, served with steamed jasmine rice for a rich, aromatic meal. This australian-inspired curry ready in about 105 minutes pairs lamb shoulder (1.5 lbs), coconut milk (full-fat), diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 90 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and curry powder, cooking for 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add lamb, breaking into bite-sized pieces, and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Pour in coconut milk, broth, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Step 3: Add lemongrass and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  4. Step 4: Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a squeeze of lime.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb and Lemongrass Curry with Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 Lamb and Lemongrass 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 (1.5 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Lemongrass 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 Lamb and Lemongrass 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 Lamb and Lemongrass Curry with Coconut Milk?

Australian curry 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.