Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee

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

A rich and fragrant Thai massaman curry featuring tender Colorado lamb simmered with lychee for a subtle fruity sweetness. This Thai-inspired curry recipe, ready in about 130 minutes, pairs Colorado lamb shoulder, cubed, massaman curry paste, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp massaman curry paste and cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed Colorado lamb shoulder and 2 bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to coat the lamb in the curry mixture.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium cubed potatoes, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 tbsp tamarind paste. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup peeled and pitted lychee and 1/4 cup roasted peanuts. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee?

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 colorado lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee?

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 Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee 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 Simmered Colorado Lamb Massaman Curry with Lychee?

Thai 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.

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