African Goat Stew – Low Carb Africa

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Published on . Updated on . By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 22 Comments

African goat stew is a popular, lip-smacking delicacy in many Nigerian homes. It is made with simple ingredients and spices, and anyone can make it, no matter where they live!

African stew with side of cauliflower rice

If you love goat meat, this is one recipe you’ve got to try! It boasts complex flavors and goes so great with many dishes. You only have to taste it once to understand what’s so special about goat stew. You won’t be able to stop licking your fingers!

What is goat stew? 

Goat stew is a tasty African dish made with tomatoes, pepper, spices and of course goat meat, which is the star of this dish. The meat gives it a unique flavor that is slightly different from other Nigerian stews.

Goat stew is a staple food in Nigeria and is just as popular as our beef or chicken stews.

What does goat taste like?

Goat meat tastes deliciously gamey. Goat meat has been compared to lamb, but it’s not quite the same. Instead, it has a unique flavor that is all its own.

Goat meat is considered lean meat and is way healthier than beef, pork, or chicken. It also has zero carbs and is a fantastic source of protein.

Is goat stew healthy?

This goat stew is very healthy, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Goat meat is one of the healthiest meats around.

Unknown to many, it has lower calories and more protein and iron than beef, pork, lamb, and chicken. This delicious, nutrition-filled meat is well-sought and for a good reason.

Goat meat is so versatile! It can be used in a stew, curry, soup, grilled, or baked in an oven. It is one of my favorite meats!

Ingredients Used

ingredients with goat meat, tomatoes, habanero pepper and spices
  • Fresh goat meat: I use either goat shoulder or goat leg, but you can use any cut.
  • Spices: Bouillon powder, black pepper, thyme, curry, cayenne pepper (optional), and salt.
  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, onions. The original Nigerian recipe is made with scotch bonnet pepper, but habanero pepper will make a great substitute.
  • Other ingredients: Beef stock and olive oil.

How To Make Goat Stew

To boil the goat meat

  1. Wash and cut the goat meat (if not already cut). I usually buy mine from a nearby butcher, and he chops it into the size I want. 
  2. Put them in a pot and add just enough water to cover the meat. Add bouillon, salt and black pepper.
  3. Bring to a boil and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the goat meat is tender. Use a fork to make sure it’s soft enough to chew easily.
  4. Take the meat out of the pot and leave it in a colander to drain the excess stock. Reserve the meat water or broth for the stew.

To make the stew

  1. Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and habanero pepper in a food processor with just a little water.
  2. Chop the onions and saute in olive oil on medium heat.
  3. Add the pepper and tomato purée, curry, thyme, bouillon, and some cayenne pepper(if you want more heat), and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add the goat meat and stock, and stir together. If needed, add a little more broth until it reaches a stew-like consistency.
  5. Taste for salt before adding any since the stock already contains some salt.
  6. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
collage showing steps to prepare nigerian stew

Storing and Reheating

This delicious African stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2-3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove the next day with just a little water.

What can I eat this recipe with?

This finger-licking delicacy can be enjoyed by the whole family with rice or any meal that calls for a stew. On my keto diet, I enjoy it with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.

close up shot of African goat stew

Tips and variations

  • Only add cayenne pepper if you want it spicier. To cut down on the heat, use half habanero pepper.
  • Use an instant pot to cook the goat meat faster before making the stew. Goat meat can be tough, so the instant pot would cook it much faster.
  • For those who love fried goat meat, you can slightly fry or air fry your meat before cooking it in the stew.
  • If your blended tomato purée is too watery, pour it into an empty pot and simmer for a few minutes to eliminate the excess water.
  • Boiling the goat meat in advance, either earlier in the day or the night before, shortens the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get goat meat from?

You can get goat meat directly from a local farm or a butcher. You can also have them cut the goat meat just how you want. Another option is the meat section in African, Asian, or Hispanic grocery stores.

Why is my goat meat tough?

If your goat meat is tough, chances are it was cut from a male goat as female goat meat is a bit more tender. Also, the older the goat is, the tougher the meat would be. So if you’re buying goat meat from a local farm, ask for young female goat meat. It is also possible you didn’t cook the meat long enough. Cook it until it’s tender when you pierce it with a fork.

How long should I cook goat meat?

Due to its somewhat tough nature, goat meat should be cooked as long as it takes to get soft. This is usually 40 – 45 minutes on high to medium heat. For best results, check the softness of the goat meat by occasionally sticking it with a fork. Once it gets tender enough to eat, it’s ready.

Check out these other African stews!

Nigerian Chicken Stew

African Peanut Stew

Nigerian Beef Stew

African Lamb Stew

African Cabbage Stew

Ofada Stew

Nigerian Fish Stew

nigerian stew on a white plate with side of cauliflower rice

More delicious recipes!

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Chicken Hearts

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Chicken Brochettes

Spicy Goat Head (Isiewu)

📖 Recipe

African goat stew served on a white plate

African Goat Stew

African goat stew is a popular, lip-smacking delicacy in many Nigerian homes. It is made with simple ingredients and spices, and anyone can make it, no matter where they live!

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