Tender Slow-Cooked Goat Chops: A Quick & Easy Guide
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat25gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (preferably with some fat marbling) - choose fresh, firm chops with a pinkish color, avoid any with a strong odor4 piece
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for better flavor2 tbsp
- Onion, chopped1 medium
- Garlic cloves, minced - use fresh garlic for best aroma3 clove
- Carrots, sliced2 medium
- Celery stalks, sliced2 piece
- Tomato paste2 tbsp
- Beef or vegetable broth500 ml
- Fresh rosemary sprigs2 piece
- Fresh thyme sprigs2 piece
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground1/2 tsp
This recipe guides you on how to slow cook goat chops to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful meat using common ingredients and simple steps. Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers in goat meat, making it delicious and easy to eat. The ingredients cost approximately $15 USD / 13 EUR / £12 / ₹1250 for four servings. This dish contains about 450 kcal per serving, is rich in protein, moderate in fat and carbs, suitable for a high-protein diet. The recipe difficulty is medium due to slow cooking time and preparation steps. Total preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 3 hours.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
1Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the meat. Chop the onion, mince garlic, slice carrots and celery. Pat dry the goat chops with paper towels to help them brown better.
Sear the Goat Chops
2Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the goat chops and brown each side for 3-4 minutes until nicely golden. This seals in flavor. Remove chops and set aside. This step helps build flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables
3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot; cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Herbs
4Stir in tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper into the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing tomato paste to caramelize slightly, enhancing depth of flavor.
Add Broth and Return Meat
5Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom (deglazing). Return goat chops to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in liquid.
Slow Cook the Goat Chops
6Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Check every 30 minutes to ensure there is enough liquid; add water if needed to keep meat partially submerged.
Check Doneness & Serve Safely
7Goat meat should reach an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) measured by a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked. The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.
Cooking Tips
-If you don't have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme work too — use about 1 teaspoon each.
-For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while deglazing.
-To keep the meat moist, avoid cooking at too high a temperature or letting it dry out — maintain a gentle simmer.
-Let the goat chops rest 10 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with lid
- Stove
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Goat chops, 4 pieces (~$12) - Look for firm, pinkish meat with slight marbling. Avoid any with off smells.
- [ ] Olive oil, extra virgin (~$0.50 for 2 tbsp) - Choose a fresh bottle with a fruity aroma.
- [ ] Onion, 1 medium (~$0.30) - Pick firm onions without soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves, 3 (~$0.20) - Fresh, firm bulbs with tight skin.
- [ ] Carrots, 2 medium (~$0.40) - Smooth skin, bright orange color.
- [ ] Celery stalks, 2 (~$0.30) - Crisp and firm.
- [ ] Tomato paste, 2 tbsp (~$0.20) - Small can or tube, check expiration.
- [ ] Beef or vegetable broth, 500 ml (~$1.50) - Low sodium preferred.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (~$0.60) - If not available, dried herbs cost less.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (~$0.10) - Standard pantry staples.
Total approximate cost: $15.10
Tips: Buy fresh herbs in small quantities or use dried herbs if unavailable. Choose fresh vegetables for best flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker after searing the goat chops and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
How do I know when the goat chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 71°C (160°F). The meat should also be tender and easy to pull away from the bone.
Can I substitute goat chops with another type of meat?
You can substitute with lamb chops or mutton chops, but the cooking time and flavor will vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.