The Best Lamb Shanks Recipe for Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Goodness

Slow-cooked lamb shanks promise a mouthwatering journey through tender, rich flavors that melt in your mouth.

Hearty Mediterranean spices weave magic into every bite, creating an irresistible aroma.

Culinary traditions from Greece and Italy inspire this remarkable dish.

Deep maroon meat falls gently from bone after hours of careful braising.

Fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme dance alongside robust red wine reductions.

Passionate home cooks adore these succulent centerpiece meals that demand little effort but deliver maximum satisfaction.

You will devour every single morsel of this incredible comfort food sensation.

Ingredients You’ll Need For James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Lamb Shanks: A rich and tender cut of meat that becomes incredibly soft when slow-cooked.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Help brown the meat and create a flavorful base for the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation for the lamb's rich flavor.

• Wine, Stock: Create a complex, deep-flavored braising liquid for the lamb.

• Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Rosemary, Parsley: Add fresh herbal notes to both the lamb and bean components.

• Tomato Puree: Adds depth and slight acidity to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Brightens and balances the rich flavors of the reduced sauce.

• Cream, Beans: Create a luxurious and creamy side dish to accompany the lamb.

Step-By-Step Instructions For James Martin Lamb Shanks

Step 1: Sear Succulent Lamb Shanks

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Carefully place lamb shanks into the hot pan, creating a golden-brown crust on all sides. The meat should develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in incredible flavor. Transfer seared shanks to a separate plate.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Base

In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and translucent. Scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

Step 3: Create Braising Liquid

• Red wine
• Beef stock
• Tomato puree

Add bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat or place in a preheated oven at 325°F. Cook for approximately 3 hours until lamb becomes incredibly tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 5: Prepare Luxurious Sauce

Remove lamb shanks from the pot. Reduce braising liquid by simmering until it thickens. Finish with a splash of red wine vinegar for brightness.

Step 6: Create Creamy Herb Beans

• Rosemary
• Heavy cream
• White beans

Simmer for 5 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange lamb shanks on a platter surrounded by creamy herb beans. Generously spoon reduced sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips For Tender James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Sear Meat Thoroughly: Brown lamb shanks until deeply golden for maximum flavor development and caramelization.
• Control Liquid Levels: Monitor liquid during long cooking to prevent drying out; add extra stock if needed.
• Choose Quality Wine: Select a dry red wine like cabernet or merlot to enhance the sauce's richness and depth.
• Rest Meat Before Serving: Allow lamb shanks to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
• Adjust Herb Balance: Fresh rosemary and parsley can be adjusted to personal taste, but use sparingly to complement meat's flavor.

Different Ways To Enjoy James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Replace wine with orange juice and add oregano and lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Spicy North African Lamb: Incorporate harissa paste, cumin, and coriander into the braising liquid for a warm, complex taste.
• Herb-Infused Lamb Option: Swap rosemary with thyme and sage, adding a more earthy and woodsy note to the dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Replace beans with cauliflower puree and use bone broth instead of regular stock to maintain rich, hearty flavors.

What Pairs Well With James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that matches the rich, deep flavors of braised lamb shanks. These wines complement the meat's intensity and cut through the richness.
• Create Creamy Polenta Base: Spread a smooth, buttery polenta underneath the lamb shanks to absorb the delicious reduced sauce. The mild, silky texture balances the meat's robust character perfectly.
• Roast Seasonal Root Vegetables: Add caramelized carrots, parsnips, and golden beetroots around the lamb to enhance the plate's earthiness. Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the savory lamb and wine-based sauce.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Gremolata: Sprinkle a bright, zesty mix of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic over the dish.

Storage Tips For James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Store lamb shanks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat and sauce are completely cool before sealing.
• Pack lamb shanks with sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months. Separate beans to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Transfer lamb shanks and sauce to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock if the sauce looks dry. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.
• Place lamb shanks in a covered baking dish with some extra stock or sauce.

Common Questions On James Martin Lamb Shanks

• Why sear the lamb shanks before braising?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and develops deep, rich caramelization through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

While lamb shanks are traditional, you could substitute beef short ribs or veal shanks, which have similar tough cuts that become tender with slow cooking.

• How do I know when the lamb is perfectly cooked?

The meat should be fall-off-the-bone tender and easily pull apart with a fork. When you press it, it should feel soft and give way without resistance.

Why James Martin Lamb Shanks Are A Comfort Food Favorite

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Slow-Cooked Comfort: Enjoy deeply rich, tender lamb that falls off the bone after a gentle, patient cooking process that develops incredible depth of flavor.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for intimate dinner parties, family gatherings, or special weekend meals where you want to impress without complicated techniques.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking method that uses the same pot for multiple steps, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Lamb Shanks Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent lamb shanks bring Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with rich, slow-cooked tenderness. Hearty braising techniques and aromatic herbs promise a luxurious meal that will transport you to southern European comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 lamb shanks
• 750 milliliters (25.4 fluid ounces) red wine
• 400 milliliters (13.5 fluid ounces) beef stock
• 600 grams (21.2 ounces) butter beans
• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) double cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 onions, diced
• 7 garlic cloves, sliced/crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Few sprigs rosemary
• 1 small bunch parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Fats and Additional Ingredients:

• 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) olive oil
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot, sear lamb shanks until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Return lamb shanks to the pot, then pour in red wine, beef stock, tomato puree, and add bay leaf, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer gently on low heat at 150°C for approximately 3 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Carefully remove lamb shanks from the cooking liquid, then reduce the sauce by simmering until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency. Enhance with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
6. Prepare creamy beans by melting butter in a separate pan, sautéing onions and garlic, then adding chopped rosemary, heavy cream, and white beans. Simmer for 5 minutes until beans are heated through.
7. Finish bean mixture with fresh chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Plate lamb shanks atop the creamy beans, generously drizzling the reduced, rich sauce over the top for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Browning the lamb shanks creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep, meaty flavors and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Choose tough, marbled lamb shanks from the lower leg for maximum tenderness and rich taste after long, slow cooking.
• Cooking time can be extended up to 4 hours for even more melt-in-your-mouth texture, ensuring the meat becomes incredibly soft and pulls away from the bone.
• Swap red wine with beef stock or non-alcoholic alternative for those avoiding alcohol, maintaining the recipe’s depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 725 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg