The Daring Gourmet

Grappling Each Dish By The Horns

Sign up for our newsletter!
No SPAM. Ever.Check out our privacy policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Home & Garden
  • Travel
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Shop

Home Ā» All Recipes Ā» Braised Lamb Shanks

Braised Lamb Shanks

February 16, 2021 by Kimberly Killebrew Ā· 28 Comments

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclosure policy.

413 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’re looking for an impressive main dish that is sophisticated yet easy to prepare, look no further than these Braised Lamb Shanks!Ā  This tender and delicious lamb entreĆ© is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the dinner table and win you lots of praise!

braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravyI’ve partnered with Aneto to bring you this post.Ā  All opinions are entirely my own.

Whenever I see lamb shanks on a restaurant menu it’s almost always a positive omen that the food is going to be good. After all, lamb shanks isn’t just your run-of-the-mill entreĆ©; it’s something special.Ā  I’ve prepared a braised lamb shanks recipe for you that’s even better than the best I’ve had in the best restaurants.Ā  It’s easy to make and it just takes time to cook to yield that incredibly fork-tender meat and phenomenal flavor that comes from braising.Ā  And oh, is it worth the wait!Ā  You will absolutely wow your guests who will think that you spent all day in the kitchen.

Whether you’re serving this lamb entreĆ© at a dinner party, for an intimate at-home dinner date, or a weeknight dinner with the family, this recipe is for you.Ā  When making this dish you’ll feel like a trained chef!

While the ingredients list may seem a bit extensive, don’t be tempted to leave any out as each ingredient is an integral part of the overall flavor.Ā  Gather up the ingredients, get those lamb shanks simmering in the oven, and then sit back and wait for the magic to happen!

braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravy

These braised lamb shanks make for a cozy and delectable dinner that’s just hard to beat. The meat is nicely seared to maximize flavor and then cooked slowly, making it incredibly tender and practically falling off the bone. During the slow cooking process the lamb shanks also become very rich with the flavors of the mouthwatering homemade sauce.Ā  It’s a dish your dinner guests willĀ  remember for a long time to come!

Tips for Making the Best Braised Lamb Shanks

  • Of all the ingredients, don’t skip the ground porcini mushrooms! They are my secret to making the best flavored gravies, sauces, and stews. Why? They add a rich and earthy boost of umami. And don’t worry – even people who don’t like mushrooms won’t discern a mushroom flavor! Porcini mushrooms just add that amazing umami element that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.Ā 
  • When picking out which wine to use for this recipe, make sure it’s a dry red wine that’s full-bodied. I recommend using a cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir.Ā  No need to use an expensive wine as the subtle notes will be lost in the other ingredients.Ā  Instead choose something middle-of-the-road.Ā  If you opt for a white wine, that’s okay too – just note that your sauce will be much lighter in color and won’t have quite the same robust depth of flavor.Ā  Avoid any sweet wines as the lamb already has a sweet flavor.Ā  Avoid “cooking wine” as it tastes very poor (often leaves a metallic taste as well), and contains preservatives, sweeteners, and salt.
  • You’ll know the lamb shanks are done cooking when the meat is nearly falling off the bone. You don’t want to rush the cooking process. Lamb shanks have a good amount of connective tissue, and you want that long, slow, cooking time to allow it to break down. If you try to rush the process, you won’t have the desired tender texture, and that connective tissue will still be present.Ā 

What to Serve With Braised Lamb Shanks

There are several different ways to serve this hearty, delicious lamb shank dinner.Ā  You can keep it simple and traditional by serving the meat over mashed potatoes, or you venture a bit with some creamy polenta.Ā  Alternatively you can serve it with rice, pasta, or, as a low carb alternative, some cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash.Ā  Spiralized zucchini, sweet potato, or butternut squash work well too.Ā Ā 

For your other sides you’ll want to keep them relatively simple so that they don’t compete in flavor with the already robust and complex flavors of the lamb shanks.Ā  Steamed or sautĆ©ed veggies and/or a leafy green salad are a great way to go.

For garnish, I always use a sprig of fresh herbs. It’s like the fragrant bow on top of a beautiful, tasty present!Ā 

braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravy

Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven to 325 F.

If using the gremolata, place the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.Ā  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sprinkle the lamb shanks with some salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat the oil in a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy oven-proof pot.Ā  Generously brown the lamb shanks on all sides and transfer to a plate.Ā  Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.

browning the meatbrowning meat in panSaute the onions, carrots and garlic until softened, 6-8 minutes.

Stir in the ground porcini mushrooms.

sauteing veggies in pan

Add the red wine, bring to a boil, and deglaze (scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan).

Boil for 2 minutes.

deglazing with wine

Add the remaining ingredients except for the butter and gremolata and stir to combine.

You can use either quality chicken or beef broth.Ā  Most experts agree that chicken broth has a stronger, bolder flavor than beef broth.Ā  America’s Test Kitchen analyzed this some years ago and concluded the same.Ā  We’re using our favorite chicken broth from Aneto.Ā Ā Made in Barcelona, Spain from the highest quality ingredients, they don’t use any powders, extracts, “flavor enhancers”, additives or preservatives.Ā  Their broth is strictly made with REAL ingredients:Ā  Bone-in chicken, fresh vegetables, sea salt and olive oil that is slow-simmered for hours in huge pots.Ā  We had the opportunity to tour their factory a few years ago and watch the entire process from start to finish.Ā  Ā It was such an inspiring experience!Ā  You can read more about our Aneto tour factory HERE.

Aneto products are available in stores across the United States and onĀ Amazon.

adding herbs and broth

Bring it to a boil.

Cover with the lid and place the hot pot on the lowest rack in the preheated oven.

transfer pot to oven

Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours or  until the meat is very tender, turning the lamb shanks over halfway through.  Remove the cover during the last 30 minutes of cooking until the lamb shanks are nicely browned on top.  Remove the herbs and bay leaves.

Transfer the lamb shanks to a plate tented with foil and place in the warm oven with the oven door open.Ā  Place the pot on the stovetop.Ā  If needed use a slotted spoon to remove any herb sprigs/leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.Ā  Simmer until thickened.Ā  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Alternatively, to speed up the thickening time you can dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and then stir the slurry into the gravy.Ā  Bring it to a simmer and stir for a couple of minutes until thickened.

cooking lamb shanks

Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta (see above for other serving ideas) with some gravy spooned over and a little gremolata (if using) or a sprig of fresh herbs for garnish.

Enjoy!

braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravy

PIN ME!

braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravy

Need more delicious meat-centered dinner ideas?Ā  Be sure to try our:

  • BEST Slow Cooker Pot Roast
  • Ultimate Beef Bourguignon
  • Easy Italian Porchetta
  • BEST Old Fashioned Beef Stew
  • Hungarian Goulash
  • German Rouladen
  • German Sauerbraten
  • British Bangers and Mash
  • Ethiopian Sega Wat
  • Cuban Ropa Vieja
  • Italian Braciole
  • New Orleans Grillades and Grits
  • Irish Beef and Guinness Stew
braised lamb shanks recipe classic traditional French red wine rosemary gravy

Braised Lamb Shanks

Kimberly Killebrew
Easy to prepare yet superbly sophisticated and unforgettably delicious, these Braised Lamb Shanks will win you praises at the dinner table!
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 3 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins
Course Entree, Main Dish
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 353 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4-6 large lamb shanks , depending on how if serving 4 or 6 people **sprinkle with some salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oil (I use avocado oil as a healthy oil with a high smoke point)
  • 1 large yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots , finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 cups dry red wine (e.g., cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir)
  • 2 cups quality chicken broth (we use and recommend Aneto) **OR beef broth (see blog post) plus more as needed to immerse the lamb shanks
  • 3 sprigs rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 6 sprigs thyme (or 3/4 teaspoons dried thyme)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ground porcini mushrooms *STRONGLY recommended for the BEST flavor (use a spice/coffee grinder, blender, or pound to grind them in a ziplock bag)
  • 15 ounce can plain tomato sauce or passata
  • 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Gremolata for Serving (optional)
  • zest of one lemon OR zest of one orange (depending on flavor preference)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic , minced

Instructions
 

  • If using the gremolata, place the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.Ā  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
    Tie the rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves together with some twine.
    Preheat the oven to 325 F.
  • Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the lamb shanks.
    Heat the oil in a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy oven-proof pot.Ā Generously brown the lamb shanks on all sides and transfer to a plate.Ā Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.
  • Saute the onions, carrots and garlic until softened, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the ground porcini mushrooms. Add the red wine, bring to a boil, and deglaze (scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan). Boil for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients except for the butter and gremolata and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil. Cover with the lid and place the hot pot on the lowest rack in the preheated oven.
    Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the meat is very tender, turning the lamb shanks over halfway through.  Remove the cover during the last 30minutes of cooking until the lamb shanks are nicely browned on top. Remove the herbs and bay leaves.
  • Transfer the lamb shanks to a plate tented with foil and place in the warm oven with the oven door open.Ā  Place the pot on the stovetop.Ā  If needed use a slotted spoon to remove any herb sprigs/leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter.Ā  Simmer until thickened.Ā Add salt and pepper to taste.
    Alternatively, to speed up the thickening time, you can dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and then stir the slurry into the gravy.Ā  Bring it to a simmer and stir for a couple of minutes until thickened.
    Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta with some gravy spooned over and a little gremolata (if using) or a sprig of fresh herbs for garnish. (See blog post for more serving suggestions.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1shank | Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 847mg | Potassium: 804mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3968IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg
Keyword Braised Lamb Shanks
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet
413 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

28 Comments →

« Mongolian Chicken
Asian Salad Dressing »

28 Responses

  1. Nancy says

    January 28, 2022 at 10:25 am

    I’m giving this recipe a try this weekend. Luckily I read through your whole page on Braised Lamb Shanks. Quick question: how much celery do I need? I may know the answer but needing to know just incase. I noticed in your ingredients list there is no celery but in your directions it states to sautĆ© onions, carrots, and celery. Please advise.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      January 28, 2022 at 6:26 pm

      Hi Nancy, sorry for the confusion, there is no celery in this. Happy cooking and I hope you enjoy the lamb shanks! :)

      Reply
  2. Cate Mackay-Scollay says

    May 28, 2021 at 1:31 am

    My first time cooking lamb shanks and it was amazing – both the adults and fussy kids (3 and 8 gobbled it all up) thank you! I accidentally added a few chopped stalks of celery (I was making a vegetable stew at the same time for my vegetarian partner and got my recipes crossed). It didn’t seem to matter (though I did stick blend the gravy so the kids didn’t arc up!). This is going to be in regular rotation – and I agree the round porcini makes a world of difference

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 6, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      Thank you, Cate, I’m so happy it was a family hit!

      Reply
« Older Comments

Add your Response Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!Ā  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.Ā  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

Sign up for our newsletter!

Receive the latest from The Daring Gourmet!

No SPAM. Ever.Check out our privacy policy
  • About
  • Request
  • Contact
  • Privacy

Copyright © 2023 Ā· The Daring Gourmet Ā· All Rights Reserved

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Home & Garden
  • Travel
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Shop