Succulent Lamb Shank Recipe | Simple & Tasty!

If you’re looking for a delicious lamb dish that is both comforting and easy to make, look no further. Our succulent lamb shank recipe will satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavorful dinner. With step-by-step instructions and a slow-cooking method, this recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special dinner idea. Let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked lamb and indulge in a delicious comfort food experience.

Lamb shanks are known for their tenderness and rich flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, they become incredibly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Our recipe combines the tender lamb shanks with a rich red wine sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re new to lamb dishes or a seasoned lamb lover, our easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal.

Get ready to impress your loved ones with this succulent lamb shank recipe. Stay tuned for our step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking lamb shanks to perfection, the perfect red wine sauce to complement the dish, variations and serving suggestions, make-ahead and freezing options, and more lamb shank recipes to try. Let’s embark on a culinary journey together and discover the delights of slow-cooked lamb.

Simple and tasty Lamb Shank Recipe

Ingredients to cook Lamb Shank

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine (optional)
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

How To Cook Lamb Shank?

Let’s start the cooking process of lamb shank recipe:

1. Generously season 4 lamb shanks with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

3. Place the lamb shanks in the pot and sear them on all sides until they are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavor and adds a rich color to the meat.

4. Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.

5. In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 3 chopped celery stalks. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened.

6. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.

7. Pour in 2 cups of red wine (optional), and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This step adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish.

8. Pour in 4 cups of beef or chicken broth and 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and, if desired, a cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

9. Place the seared lamb shanks back into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.

10. Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) and cook for the same amount of time.

11. After 2.5 to 3 hours, check the lamb shanks. They should be tender and falling off the bone. If they are not yet tender, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

12. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

13. Serve the lamb shanks on a warm plate, spooning the rich sauce over the top.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Pair the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Why Lamb Shanks are the King of All Lamb Cuts?

Lamb shanks are considered the king of all lamb cuts due to their incredible flavor and tenderness. These cuts come from the lower leg of lambs and are known for being inexpensive but full of flavor. However, they require slow cooking to break down the tough meat and make it soft and succulent.

When slow-cooked, the lamb shanks become incredibly tender and flavorful, making them perfect for braising or roasting. The meat itself is filled with rich flavors, which are enhanced by the red wine sauce used in this recipe. Additionally, the marrow in the bone melts into the sauce, further deepening the flavor and richness of the dish.

Benefits of Lamb Shanks

• Tender and succulent meat
• Full of flavor
• Perfect for slow cooking
• Enhanced by red wine sauce
• Marrow adds richness

“Lamb shanks are a true delicacy, providing a unique combination of tenderness, flavor, and richness that elevates any dish. Their slow-cooked perfection is simply unmatched.”

Whether you’re a lamb lover or new to lamb shanks, this recipe is sure to impress with its incredible taste and texture.

Cooking Tips for Lamb Shanks

The Perfect Red Wine Sauce for Lamb Shanks

A classic braising liquid for lamb shanks is a red wine sauce, which pairs perfectly with the rich and intense flavors of the lamb. The red wine sauce used in this recipe is made with a full-bodied red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot. It’s not necessary to use expensive wine for this sauce since the flavors will transform during the hours of slow cooking.

The wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, while the lamb shanks release their natural juices and flavors into the mixture. As the sauce simmers and reduces, it becomes silky, glossy, and incredibly flavorful. This red wine sauce elevates the lamb shanks to a posh-restaurant-worthy level, adding a touch of elegance to this hearty and delicious lamb meal.

Try this mouthwatering recipe for a delicious and satisfying lamb shank meal:

Impress your guests or treat your family to this delectable lamb shank recipe with a rich red wine sauce. The flavors of the slow-cooked lamb shanks combined with the silky and flavorful sauce will create a memorable and satisfying dining experience. Enjoy this hearty and delicious lamb meal for a special occasion or any time you crave a comforting and indulgent dish.

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Lamb Shanks

While this lamb shank recipe is already incredibly delicious, there are some variations and serving suggestions you can consider to customize the dish to your liking. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to add more depth of flavor to the red wine sauce. For example, adding fresh thyme or oregano can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Additionally, you can serve the lamb shanks over creamy mashed potato, cauliflower puree, or polenta to create a perfect pairing with the rich red wine sauce. Some other serving suggestions include serving the lamb shanks with a side of peas or sautéed spinach and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Get creative with your sides and make this lamb shank recipe a complete and satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options for Lamb Shanks

This lamb shank recipe is perfect for those who like to plan ahead and have convenient options for future meals. Whether you want to prepare this dish in advance or have leftovers to enjoy later, you’ll find this recipe offers flexibility and convenience.

First, let’s talk about making the lamb shanks ahead of time. You can braise the shanks up to two days in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. This means you can prepare the dish on a day that works best for you and then simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

When it’s time to reheat the lamb shanks, you can easily do so by adding a cup of stock and gently simmering them until they are hot throughout. This method helps retain the tenderness and flavor of the meat, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first time.

If you find yourself with leftover cooked lamb shanks, freezing them is a great option. Simply place the shanks in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, make sure to thaw the lamb shanks completely before reheating. This will help maintain the texture and taste of the dish.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or want to have a delicious meal ready for busy weeknights, these make-ahead and freezing options for lamb shanks ensure that you have a convenient and satisfying dish whenever you need it.

More Lamb Shank Recipes to Try

Jamie Oliver Lamb Shank Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season and Sear: Season 4 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a large ovenproof pot, heat olive oil and brown the shanks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
4. Add Liquids: Add 500ml of red wine and allow it to reduce by half. Then, add 400ml of beef stock, a sprig of rosemary, and a couple of bay leaves.
5. Return Lamb Shanks: Place the lamb shanks back into the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Slow Cook: Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
7. Serve: Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes or polenta, spooning the sauce over the top.

Difference: Jamie Oliver’s recipe features a classic red wine and rosemary sauce, with an emphasis on slow-cooking the lamb shanks for tenderness.

Gordon Ramsay Lamb Shank

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. Season and Sear: Season 4 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a hot ovenproof pan, sear the shanks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and leeks. Cook until softened.
4. Add Liquids: Add 250ml of red wine and reduce by half. Add 500ml of chicken stock, a sprig of thyme, and 2 tablespoons of tomato purée.
5. Return Lamb Shanks: Place the lamb shanks back into the pan, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Slow Cook: Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve: Serve with the reduced sauce, alongside mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

Difference: Gordon Ramsay’s recipe incorporates leeks and tomato purée in the sauce, along with a lower cooking temperature and chicken stock for a slightly different flavor profile.

M&S Lamb Shank

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season and Sear: Season 2 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot pan with olive oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons of plain flour and cook for a minute.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually add 300ml of lamb stock and 100ml of red wine, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Cook the Lamb: Return the lamb shanks to the pan, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
6. Slow Cook: Cook for 2 hours until the meat is tender and the gravy is rich and thick.
7. Serve: Serve with buttery mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables.

Difference: M&S’s recipe is more straightforward, using a flour-thickened gravy with lamb stock and a shorter cooking time compared to other recipes.

Sainsbury’s Lamb Shank

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. Season and Sear: Season 2 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a hot ovenproof casserole dish, brown the shanks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same dish, sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 minced garlic cloves until softened.
4. Add Liquids: Add 250ml of red wine, 400ml of beef stock, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
5. Return Lamb Shanks: Return the lamb shanks to the dish, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Slow Cook: Cook for 2.5 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.

Difference: Sainsbury’s recipe includes Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor and a slightly lower cooking temperature for a slow, even cook.

Tesco Lamb Shank

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season and Sear: Season 2 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pan with olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, cook 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 1 chopped celery stick until softened.
4. Add Liquids: Stir in 300ml of red wine, 400ml of beef stock, and a sprig of rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the Lamb: Return the lamb shanks to the pan, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
6. Slow Cook: Cook for 2 hours, then remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
7. Serve: Serve with the reduced sauce over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Difference: Tesco’s recipe uses a combination of red wine and beef stock with a focus on reducing the sauce towards the end of cooking for a more concentrated flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this succulent lamb shank recipe offers a simple and tasty way to enjoy the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb. With its easy-to-follow instructions and flavorful red wine sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special family meal.

Whether you’re a lamb lover or new to lamb shanks, this recipe is sure to impress with its tender and flavorful meat. The slow cooking process ensures that the lamb shanks are incredibly tender, while the red wine sauce adds depth and richness to the dish.

Indulge in this delicious comfort food that will leave you craving more. The combination of succulent lamb, aromatic herbs, and the silky red wine sauce makes this dish a true delight for the taste buds. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a memorable family meal with this delicious lamb shank recipe.

FAQ

Lamb Shank Recipe

Freya

This succulent lamb shank recipe offers a simple and tasty way to enjoy the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb. With its easy-to-follow instructions and flavorful red wine sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine optional
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick optional
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin optional
• 1 teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions

 

• . Generously season 4 lamb shanks with salt and pepper on all sides.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Place the lamb shanks in the pot and sear them on all sides until they are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavor and adds a rich color to the meat.
• Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
• In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 3 chopped celery stalks. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened.
• Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.
• Pour in 2 cups of red wine (optional), and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This step adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish.
• Pour in 4 cups of beef or chicken broth and 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and, if desired, a cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
• Place the seared lamb shanks back into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
• Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) and cook for the same amount of time.
• After 2.5 to 3 hours, check the lamb shanks. They should be tender and falling off the bone. If they are not yet tender, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Serve the lamb shanks on a warm plate, spooning the rich sauce over the top.

Keyword lamb shank recipe