Instant Pot Lamb Curry: A Hearty, Authentic Indian Feast in Under an Hour

Instant Pot Lamb Curry

Introduction

Instant Pot Lamb Curry delivers all the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional Indian curry in a fraction of the time. Pressure cooking transforms tough lamb into melt-in-your-mouth bites, all while infusing them with rich spices. It’s the ideal dish for nights when you crave something hearty yet have little time—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Flavorful Instant Pot Lamb Curry

What sets this lamb curry apart is how the pressure cooker melds flavors rapidly and gives a lush, restaurant-quality texture without hours of simmering. Fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala form a tantalizing sauce, while yogurt and tomatoes provide tang and richness. The lamb takes on all these seasonings beautifully, resulting in a curry that’s both complex and comforting.

Efficient Ingredient Prep for Lamb Curry

Maximize flavor and speed by finely chopping onions, garlic, and ginger for the curry base. Using a dedicated chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper cuts your prep time in half and ensures even, quick cooking. Dice tomatoes and cube lamb into bite-sized portions, trimming excess fat for a clean-tasting curry.

Use a sturdy cutting board, such as the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to keep your workspace tidy and organized, which is crucial when working with raw meat.

Cooking the Lamb Curry in the Instant Pot

Begin by sautéing aromatics directly in the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Toasting spices in hot oil before adding the lamb draws out their essential oils, resulting in a more flavorful curry. Once the meat is seared, layer in tomatoes, yogurt, and seasonings; then lock the lid and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

If you’re unsure whether your lamb is tender, verify doneness with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for perfect results every time.

Tips for Serving and Storing

For a finishing touch, fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balances the bold spices. Serve with fluffy rice or naan for a satisfying meal.

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). The flavors only improve overnight, making this curry excellent for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4. Each serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the cut of lamb and the use of full-fat or low-fat yogurt. It’s a filling dish packed with protein and warming spices.

Instant Pot Lamb Curry Recap

With minimal prep and the efficiency of the Instant Pot, this lamb curry brings authentic flavor in under an hour. Its deep spices, creamy sauce, and fork-tender lamb are sure to satisfy any curry lover—perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Ingredients

– 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1.5” cubes
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 medium onions, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, minced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 3/4 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tbsp ground cumin
– 1 tbsp ground coriander
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt & black pepper, to taste
– 3/4 cup water or low-sodium broth
– Fresh cilantro & lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to sauté mode. Add oil and heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in ginger and garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cinnamon. Sauté spices for 1 minute to bloom flavor.
  3. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lamb, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides, 5–6 minutes.
  4. Add yogurt and deglaze the pot, scraping up brown bits. Pour in water or broth, mix well, and cancel sauté mode.
  5. Secure the lid and set release valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 30 minutes.
  6. After cooking, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve lamb curry hot, garnished with cilantro and a wedge of lemon. Pair with steamed rice or naan bread.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

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