Spicy, Peppery Mutton Stir-Fry

Name: Spicy, Peppery Mutton Stir-Fry (Kerala-Style Mutton Pepper Fry)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 18 ounces mutton, cut into pieces; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped; 8 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; Kosher salt; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 2 onions, thinly sliced; 2 sprigs curry leaves, coarsely torn; 2 sprigs curry leaves, coarsely torn; 2 green chiles, slit; Cilantro, for garnish

Kerala-Style Mutton Pepper Fry

Preparation info

Yield:
4 to 5
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A fiery delight from the backwaters of Kerala, this Mutton Pepper Fry is loaded with tender mutton pieces stir-fried with black pepper, curry leaves, and spices. Its intense heat and robust flavors are a testament to authentic South Indian coastal cuisine.

Ingredients

18 ounces mutton, cut into pieces

Asia
India
Kerala
Starter
Gluten-free

Method

Wash, then pat dry the mutton with paper towels. Set aside.

Into a blender, add the ginger, garlic, and green chiles to make a paste. If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth consistency.

Combine the ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt, to taste. Rub on the mutton and marinate for at least 2 hours.

Heat the coconu