Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks (Print version)

Tender lamb shanks slowly cooked with fresh rosemary, garlic, and vegetables for a rich centerpiece.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 lamb shanks, trimmed of excess fat (approximately 12–14 oz each)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
03 - 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
04 - 1 large onion, sliced
05 - 4 garlic cloves, smashed

→ Aromatics & Herbs

06 - 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
07 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme
08 - 2 bay leaves

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups beef or lamb stock (gluten-free if necessary)
10 - 1 cup dry red wine
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
13 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 320°F (160°C).
02 - Pat lamb shanks dry and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, approximately 8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
04 - Add sliced onions, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
05 - Return lamb shanks to the pot. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
06 - Pour in red wine and stock. Bring to a simmer, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
07 - Cover with lid or foil. Transfer to oven and roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, turning once halfway, until meat is tender and falling from the bone.
08 - Remove lamb and vegetables to a platter. Skim fat from the sauce and simmer to reduce if needed. Spoon sauce over shanks and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The meat becomes so tender it slides off the bone with just a fork, no knife needed.
  • Your entire home will smell like a cozy Mediterranean kitchen for hours.
  • It looks impressively elegant but requires almost no active cooking time once it's in the oven.
  • The savory braising liquid transforms into a silky sauce that tastes like you simmered it all day.
02 -
  • Do not skip the searing step; that golden crust is where most of the deep, savory flavor comes from.
  • Turn the shanks halfway through roasting so they cook evenly and stay moist on all sides.
  • If the sauce tastes flat at the end, a small splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of salt will bring it to life.
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven with a heavy, tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and keep the lamb from drying out.
  • Let the lamb rest for 5–10 minutes after pulling it from the oven so the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.
  • If you can't find lamb shanks, beef short ribs work beautifully with the same method and timing.
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