Lamb Rogan Josh | Instant Pot Lamb Curry

Fastest ever Pressure Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh recipe allows to make this classic, Kashmiri lamb dish in one step with no fuss. This makes a great weeknight Indian curry!

What Makes Lamb Curry So Amazing?

• Fast. While this isn't your typical "fast recipe" that is done in under 30 minutes, it is still extremely quick to make compared to the traditional method.
• Easy. A fantastically simple pour and cook recipe made in your Instant Pot.
• Low Carb. Only 4 net carbs per serving.
• Delicious. Absolutely packed with delicious flavor.

A while ago, I posted a Lamb Rogan Josh recipe that used Onion Masala. While I think this extremely versatile onion masala is a great thing to make and have at hand, I also wanted to post a recipe for people who didn't have the onion masala made, and still wanted to make the Rogan Josh.

What Is Lamb Rogan Josh?

First of all, for those of you who want to learn how to pronounce it, it's not Josh. Rather, say it like Joe-sh.

So what is it?

It's a Kashmiri lamb curry dish. Wikipedia has some nifty definitions of it, but at its heart, it is a hearty, braised lamb dish that is the signature dish of Kashmiri cuisine.

You can make this Rogan Josh with beef or chicken. While that is not traditional, you know what is IS?

Delicious. That's what.

It has a signature red color to it and that often comes from using Kashmiri Chilis. Since those are not so easily found, I use a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to lend both color, and flavor to this dish.

Ordinarily, this dish takes FOREVER to make, but it's worth it. I've created a super simple, one step recipe to make this a lot easier--but it still tastes exactly like traditional Rogan Josh. You're welcome.

One more bonus: This is a keto, low carb recipe. I didn't do anything really all that special to make it keto. It just happens to use meat and veggies and nothing else.

What Does Lamb Curry Taste Like?

This delicious lamb curry is the perfect combination of smoky and sweet. It also has the slightest hint of spice thanks to the addition of spices such as paprika and cayenne.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound leg of lamb- The lamb is the star protein of this dish. Using leg of lamb gives a tender, flavorful result when slow-cooked.
• 1 Red Onion- Onions create a sweet and aromatic base for the curry. When sautéed, they add depth and help thicken the sauce slightly.
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic- Garlic adds savory umami and aromatic depth.
• 2 teaspoons Minced Ginger- Ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that balances the richness of the lamb.
• 1/4 cup Full-Fat Greek Yogurt- Yogurt tenderizes the lamb and contributes creaminess to the sauce. It also helps mellow the heat from the spices.
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste- Tomato paste adds umami, subtle sweetness, and acidity.
• 1/4 cup Cilantro- Cilantro is a fresh herb that adds brightness and a slight citrusy note at the end of cooking.
• 2 teaspoons Garam Masala- Garam masala is a warm spice blend that defines the flavor of Rogan Josh.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika- Smoked paprika adds mild heat, a subtle smokiness, and a rich red hue to the curry.
• 1-2 teaspoons Salt- Salt enhances all the flavors in the curry.
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric- Turmeric adds earthy, slightly bitter notes and gives the curry a beautiful golden color.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon- Cinnamon adds warmth and subtle sweetness that complements the savory spices and lamb.
• 1/4-1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper- Cayenne adds heat. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you want your curry.
• 1/4 cup Water- Water is added to create the base of the curry sauce.

How Do You Make Rogan Josh Lamb Curry?

1. Gather all your ingredients together so you can marinade the lamb. This step really helps to tenderize and flavor the lamb.

2. Use yogurt in the marinade to add flavor, to tenderize the meat, and also to add liquid to the pot for cooking.

3. Once you have everything together in the bowl, mix and let it marinate for a while. I'd say 30 minutes is great, and overnight in the refrigerator is fantastic (but not necessary).

4. When it's time to start cooking, place the marinated lamb and all the spicy goodness into the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Add a little water, but most of the liquid in this recipe will come from the lamb, yogurt, and onions.

5. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes for a tender lamb, 15 minutes if you want really soft lamb. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.

Tips & Tricks

1. Marinate the lamb for at least 30 minutes if you can. This really helps to tenderize the meat and make a wonderful lamb curry.
2. You can use lamb, goat, beef, or chicken to make rogan josh. While not traditional, it is still delicious.
3. If you have an 8-quart, you may need to double the recipe.
4. Make sure to spread the lamb all over the bottom of the Instant Pot. Although I list the water in this recipe as optional, if you're not sure about the quality of the meat you are using, use the water the first time.
5. This recipe works well for meal prep, as you can marinate the lamb for a day or two before cooking.
6. You can also mix up the lamb in the marinade, put the contents into a zip top bag, and freeze. When ready to cook, pour water into the bottom of the Instant Pot, add the frozen lamb and marinade, and cook as directed. You do not need to increase the cook time.

What To Serve With This Lamb Curry

• Basmati Rice- Light, fluffy rice that soaks up the curry sauce beautifully.
• Garlic or Butter Naan- Soft, pillowy bread for scooping up the flavorful gravy.
• Jeera Rice- Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the spices in the curry.
• Raita- A cool yogurt-based side (like cucumber or mint raita) that helps mellow the heat.

How Long Does it Last?

Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.

Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, Lamb Rogan Josh freezes exceptionally well; place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Properly frozen, it can last for 2 to 3 months while retaining its flavor and texture.

When reheating, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stovetop.

More Lovely Lamb Dishes

Here are a few other lamb favorites to try.

• Instant Pot Lamb Dum Biryani
• Air Fryer Sichuan Lamb
• Air fryer Tandoori Lamb
• Lamb or Beef Gyros
• Loin Lamb Chop Recipe With Harissa Sauce

Want more amazing Indian Instant Pot recipes?

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So the next time you're looking for something with a depth of flavor and that is stupid simple to make, cook up some Lamb Rogan Josh. And if you have already made it, let me know what you think in the comments.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.