Tender and Healthy Slow-Cooked Goat Shoulder
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat12gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Goat shoulder (bone-in, skin removed if preferred)1.5 kg
- Olive oil (extra virgin for healthier choice)2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (fresh, minced)4 pieces
- Onion (medium, finely chopped)1 piece
- Fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)1 tbsp
- Fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)1 tbsp
- Carrots (peeled and chopped)3 pieces
- Celery stalks (chopped)2 pieces
- Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth300 ml
- Salt (to taste, preferably iodized)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1/2 tsp
This recipe for slow-cooked goat shoulder is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, healthy, and tender meat dish. Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers of goat meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal fat. The ingredients are straightforward and the method is foolproof for home cooks of any level. The total cost of ingredients is approximately 18 USD / 16 EUR / 14 GBP / 1,350 INR. The dish offers about 320 kcal per serving and is suitable for a high-protein, low-carb diet. Complexity level is easy and total cooking time is roughly 8 hours 30 minutes including preparation.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the goat shoulder
1Pat the goat shoulder dry with paper towels. This ensures browning. Rub the olive oil all over the meat, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Make sure to rub seasoning into all sides.
Brown the goat shoulder
2Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the goat shoulder on all sides for about 4 minutes per side, until a nice brown crust forms. Browning adds flavor and texture.
Prepare vegetables and herbs
3While browning the meat, chop garlic, onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, and thyme as noted in ingredients.
Slow cook the goat shoulder
4Place the browned goat shoulder into the slow cooker. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, onion, herbs, and pour the broth over. Cover well.
Cook on low
5Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours. This low and slow method tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Check internal temperature
6After cooking time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 75°C (167°F) to ensure safe consumption of goat meat.
Rest and serve
7Remove the goat shoulder from slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with cooked vegetables and some of the flavorful broth.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
2For extra flavor, marinate the goat shoulder overnight in olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
3If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook this in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 150°C (300°F) for 3-4 hours.
4Check the meat occasionally in the last hour to prevent overcooking and dryness.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Meat thermometer
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Shopping List
- [ ] Goat shoulder (1.5 kg) - approx. $12.50 (choose fresh, firm meat with a pleasant smell)
- [ ] Extra virgin olive oil (250 ml) - approx. $5.00 (go for cold-pressed for health benefits)
- [ ] Garlic (1 bulb) - approx. $0.50 (choose firm, tight cloves)
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - approx. $0.30 (pick firm onions without soft spots)
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (one small bunch) - approx. $1.50 (or dried rosemary is fine)
- [ ] Fresh thyme (one small bunch) - approx. $1.50 (or dried thyme)
- [ ] Carrots (3 pieces) - approx. $0.75 (look for bright orange, firm carrots)
- [ ] Celery stalks (2 pieces) - approx. $0.75 (choose crisp, green stalks)
- [ ] Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (300 ml) - approx. $1.50 (check label for reduced salt)
- [ ] Salt and pepper (from pantry)
Total Estimated Cost: $18.30
FAQ
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked goat shoulder?
The safe internal temperature for cooked goat is at least 75°C (167°F), which ensures that the meat is safe to eat.
Can I use a different cut of goat meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like goat leg or shoulder, but remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and cut.
How do I know when the goat shoulder is fully cooked?
Apart from reaching the safe internal temperature with a meat thermometer, the meat should be tender and pull apart easily when tested with a fork.
Can I cook the goat shoulder in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can slow cook it in a covered oven-safe dish at 150°C (300°F) for about 3-4 hours until tender.
How do I avoid cross-contamination while handling raw goat meat?
Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other ingredients. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat.