One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise

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

A fragrant one-pot Indonesian-influenced Australian lamb stew simmered with sweet potatoes, star anise, and warm spices for a comforting meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 65 minutes pairs (450 g) lamb shoulder, diced, large, sliced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb diced lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot. Sauté together for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 whole star anise, and 1 cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups water and 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until lamb is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove star anise and cinnamon stick before serving.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise 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 One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise?

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 (450 g) lamb shoulder, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise?

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 One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 One-Pot Lamb and Sweet Potato Semur with Star Anise?

Australian 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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