Tender Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic

Succulent slow cooked lamb shoulder promises a mouthwatering journey through tender, aromatic culinary delight.

Meat lovers will adore this classic dish that melts in your mouth.

Mediterranean traditions inspire each carefully crafted bite of richness and depth.

Robust herbs and gentle cooking transform an ordinary cut into something extraordinary.

Rosemary and garlic infuse incredible flavor throughout every morsel of meat.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this impressive yet simple recipe.

You can create restaurant-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

Slow Cooking Tips For Nigella Lamb Shoulder

• Tenderize Perfectly: Slow cooking breaks down tough lamb fibers, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth texture every single time.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Rubbing lamb with herbs and citrus before cooking allows deep penetration of aromatic ingredients.
• Prevent Dryness: Always let meat rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain incredible moisture.
• Boost Sauce Consistency: Adding cornstarch slurry in the final hour helps create rich, silky sauce without compromising meat tenderness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Shred or slice lamb depending on your preference for different meal presentations and textures.

Flavorful Variations On Nigella Lamb Shoulder

• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace rosemary with oregano and add mint leaves for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Moroccan Spice Adventure: Swap herbs with ras el hanout spice blend, include preserved lemons for authentic North African taste.
• Red Wine Alternative: Use pomegranate juice or beef broth instead of wine for non-alcoholic version with rich depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular stock for celiac-friendly preparation.

Great Sides For Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, tender lamb with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, whose robust tannins and deep fruit notes perfectly match the meat's intense flavor.
• Create Rustic Mediterranean Side: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs to balance the lamb's hearty profile and add bright, zesty contrast.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes to echo the rosemary and thyme in the lamb's marinade, creating a harmonious and comforting plate.
• Enhance with Creamy Accompaniment: Add a dollop of tzatziki or mint yogurt sauce to cut through the lamb's richness, providing a cool, tangy element that elevates the entire dining experience.

Proper Storage For Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

• Transfer cooled lamb to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap lamb in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place lamb in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of stock or water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.

FAQs About Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

• Can I use other herbs instead of rosemary and thyme?

Yes, you can substitute with herbs like oregano, sage, or marjoram that complement lamb’s rich flavor.

• Is lamb shoulder the best cut for slow cooking?

Absolutely. Lamb shoulder has more fat and connective tissue, making it perfect for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for the same cooking time and method.

• How do I know the lamb is fully cooked?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. Internal temperature should reach around 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

What Makes Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Special

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: This slow-cooked lamb shoulder transforms a tough cut into an incredibly soft, juicy dish that falls apart with minimal effort.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a restaurant-quality meal with rich, deep flavors developed through low and slow cooking.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing meat and vegetables in a single appliance, reducing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend meals, or impressing dinner guests with a seemingly sophisticated yet simple-to-prepare main course that suits various dietary preferences.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

• Lamb Shoulder: A tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking and creating melt-in-your-mouth results.

• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add deep, earthy flavors to the lamb.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus notes that help cut through the richness of the meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the lamb.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the lamb and promote even browning and moisture.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the cooking liquid and sauce.
• Stock: Provides additional moisture and helps create a rich, flavorful braising liquid.
• Carrots, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor base and add sweetness to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent to create a more substantial sauce if desired.

Directions For Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Lamb Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Rub the mixture thoroughly into every crevice of the lamb, ensuring maximum taste penetration.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Carrots
• Onions

These vegetables will create a delicious foundation and prevent the meat from sticking.

Step 3: Position Lamb and Add Liquid Gold

• White wine
• Beef or chicken stock

• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to low temperature. Allow the lamb to transform into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece for 6 hours. The low and slow method ensures tender, succulent meat.

Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening

During the final hour of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry to enhance the sauce’s consistency if desired. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir into the cooking liquid.

Step 6: Rest and Relax

Once cooking completes, remove the lamb and let it rest for 20 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice or shred the lamb using two forks. Plate with the cooked vegetables and pour the rich, flavorful sauce over the top. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with rich, tender meat melting off the bone. Fragrant herbs and slow simmering create a comforting meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, hearty bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lamb shoulder

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 3 sprigs of rosemary
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 carrots
• 1 onion, cut into slices
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
• Juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly massage the lamb shoulder with fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, vibrant lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to infuse deep flavor.
2. Create a flavorful bed by layering roughly chopped carrots and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Gently nestle the seasoned lamb shoulder atop the vegetable foundation.
4. Deglaze the lamb with robust red wine and rich beef stock, sprinkling fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper for aromatic complexity.
5. Slow cook at 195°F for 6-7 hours, allowing the meat to become meltingly tender and develop intense, rich flavors.
6. During the final hour of cooking, optionally whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry for sauce thickening.
7. Once cooking completes, allow the lamb to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
8. Carefully shred or slice the lamb, arranging on a serving platter surrounded by the caramelized vegetables and luxurious pan sauce.

Notes

• Marinate the lamb overnight for deeper, more intense flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Consider using bone-in shoulder for richer taste and increased moisture during slow cooking.
• Replace wine with additional stock or grape juice for non-alcoholic version, maintaining liquid volume and depth of flavor.
• Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness, but leave some for natural basting and richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg