Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Which cooking method is best for the shanks? ›

Lamb shanks are an ideal protein for braising, a combination-cooking method that starts with pan-searing followed by slow cooking in a liquid—usually in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. Braising is the best way to prepare lamb shanks, which can turn stringy when cooked too quickly.

No, lamb shanks don't have to be completely covered in liquid, but they also can't be dry roasted. In a slow cooker, the steam trapped inside from any added liquids will be enough to cook the shanks.

Before you cook lamb shanks by braising them, wash the shanks and use a sharp knife to remove some of the larger deposits of fat. Heat some oil over medium-high heat in a large dutch oven, then brown the shanks for about 4 minutes on all 3 sides.

When preparing lamb shanks, remove the silverskin -- that whitish membrane on the outside of the meat –- and any large fatty deposits. This will lessen any gamey flavor as the meat is cooked. Use a small, sharp knife to loosen the silverskin, making it easier to pull off.

The initial searing of the meat is essential to the outcome of the dish — take care not to let the pieces touch in the pan while they are browning. Contrary to popular belief, you can overcook veal shanks, so pay careful attention to the final half-hour of cooking.

If you have an extra 10 minutes, it's often worth browning the meat before slow cooking it. Browning or searing the meat in a hot pan caramelises its surface, which can give the final dish a richer, deeper flavour and colour. The high temperatures also help to render the fat on the surface of your lamb.

Don't worry about overcooking lamb shanks.

But undercooked lamb shanks are tough and chewy – not fun to eat! The meat should fall off the bone at the touch of your fork, so budget the time to get to that point.

Marinating the lamb in milk will draw out and settle some of its less pleasant smells and flavors. This method of milk soaking is also used for other meats with overwhelmingly gamey flavors, such as venison.

Add stock or water halfway up the meat you're braising and bring to a boil, then immediately lower to a simmer. Once it's simmering, you can add in aromatics. Cover and keep it at a low simmer on the stovetop or in the oven at 350 degrees F. Cooking low and slow breaks down the tough meat so it's tender and delicious.

What can I use instead of red wine in lamb shanks? ›

Can you substitute the Red Wine Lamb Shanks recipe? Yes, use tomato passata or 800 g/28 oz crushed tomatoes as a substitute if you prefer not to use red wine. Add it at the same time as the chicken stock.

Tips for Cooking Lamb

Before you begin the cooking process, be sure to remove your lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps to ensure that the lamb cooks evenly and that you get an accurate temperature reading.

Silver-Skin: The Culinary Culprit of Tough Meat

It's a whitish, silvery membrane that is often found on cuts of meat such as beef tenderloin or pork loin. Silver skin can be tough and chewy, and it doesn't break down during cooking, which can make the meat difficult to chew.

The first is that tissue can hold liquid inside the muscle fibers, imparting flavor and juices. The second reason to leave silverskin intact is because collagen converts into gelatin, which adds silky succulence to the meat and anything around it.

Not only are lamb shanks one of the cheapest cuts of lamb, they also happen to be the most deliciously succulent. Of course you have to like the flavor of lamb. The lamb council told me two years ago that they were breeding lamb with less flavor because Americans don't like lamb that tastes lamby.

Beef shank will get very tough if you don't cook it long enough. The best way to cook fall-off-the-bone beef shank is to boil and simmer them for at least 3 hours. I also baste them often when I use this method. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer.

Shank Cross-Cut | Lean. A cross-section of the leg, which is used extensively for movement. As a result, it is typically braised to make flavorful, fork-tender dishes such as Osso Buco.

Stewing or braising the meat is the best way to achieve this as you can stop the meat from drying out with the liquid and the long cooking time on the low heat gives the meat enough opportunity to break down the toughness and become amazingly soft and tender.

Braising is a classic cooking technique. Typically it involves searing off meat then adding aromatics and a braising liquid (like wine and/or stock) then slowing cooking it, covered, in a low oven until the meat is very tender.