Unlock the secret to incredibly tender, flavorful goat shanks without spending hours in the kitchen! This Instant Pot recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone meat bathed in a luxurious, creamy garlic sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and warm spices. The pressure cooker does all the hard work, infusing the goat with flavor and rendering it succulent in a fraction of the time. It’s a sophisticated, yet surprisingly simple, dish perfect for a special weeknight dinner or for impressing guests.
Ingredients
• 3 lbs / 1.4 kg goat shanks, cut into large pieces
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp / 5 g salt, plus more to taste
• Water, for cooking
• For the Garlic Sauce
• ½ cup / 120 g plain full-fat yogurt
• 6 large garlic cloves
• ¼ cup / 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp / 5 g sesame seeds
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, seeds only
• ¼ tsp / 1 g ground cloves
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the yogurt, garlic cloves, cilantro, lemon juice, sesame seeds, cardamom seeds, ground cloves, and 1 tsp of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions: Select the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil to the inner pot. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
4. Pressure Cook the Shanks: Add the goat shanks to the pot and sprinkle with a little more salt. Pour in just enough water to cover the meat. Securely lock the lid, ensure the steam release handle is in the ‘Sealing’ position, and select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on ‘High’ for 30 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure: When the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the steam release handle to the ‘Venting’ position. Once the pin drops, open the pot.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Press the ‘Sauté’ button again. Pour the prepared garlic sauce into the pot with the shanks. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 10 minutes, turning the shanks once to coat them evenly.
7. Serve and Garnish: Turn off the Instant Pot. Carefully transfer the goat shanks to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining rich garlic sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 480 | Total Fats 15.8g | Net Carbs: 6.2g | Protein: 74.1g | Fiber: 1.2g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper, richer flavor, sear the goat shanks on all sides using the ‘Sauté’ function before adding the onions. Remove the shanks, cook the onions, then return the shanks to the pot.
• For even more tender meat, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before performing a quick release.
• The garlic sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time.
• Serve this dish with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or creamy polenta to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use lamb shanks instead of goat for this recipe
A: Yes, lamb shanks are an excellent substitute for goat shanks in this recipe. The cooking time in the Instant Pot should remain the same, as they are a similar cut of meat.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker
A: You can make this recipe on the stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pot. Simply simmer the shanks in water for 2-3 hours, or until tender, before adding the sauce to thicken. The cooking time will be significantly longer than with a pressure cooker.
Q: How can I get an even richer flavor
A: For a deeper, more complex flavor, we recommend searing the goat shanks on all sides using the ‘Sauté’ function before pressure cooking. This step helps to brown the meat and develop more flavor.
Q: What should I serve with these creamy garlic goat shanks
A: This dish pairs beautifully with anything that can soak up the luxurious sauce. We suggest serving it with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.
