Best Slow Cooker Lamb Shank Recipes

Slow-cooked lamb shanks are the epitome of comfort food, offering tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone with ease. This guide brings together some of the best slow cooker lamb shank recipes, perfect for those who appreciate the rich, savory taste of this classic cut.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, these recipes will help you create mouth-watering meals that are sure to impress. From traditional takes with red wine and rosemary to more exotic flavors like Moroccan-spiced lamb, there’s a dish here for every palate and occasion.

What are Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks, taken from the bottom section of the leg just below the knee, are known for their rich flavor and melt-off-the-bone texture when slow-cooked. They can be ‘french trimmed’ for a more appealing presentation by removing a small bit of meat from the bone. Lamb shanks come in both foreshanks, from the front legs, and hindshanks, from the back legs, with the latter being larger and meatier.

Full of connective tissue and collagen, lamb shanks need to be stewed or braised for an extended time over low heat to achieve a velvety, flavorful, and tender result. The foreshank is smaller than the hindshank, but both are sold cut with the center bone intact and require little prep before cooking.

The connective tissue that lends the lamb shank its distinct flavor also makes it tough if not prepared properly, emphasizing the importance of the low and slow cooking method to ensure a juicy and succulent dish.

Why they are Good in the Slow Cooker

Braising lamb shank in a slow cooker is an ideal method due to the meat’s toughness and low fat content. The braising liquid prevents the meat from drying out, while the extended low heat cooking allows the tough meat to become tender and succulent. By keeping the lid on, moisture is retained, ensuring optimal results.

Alternatively, lamb shank can be pressure-cooked with liquid for similar tenderness. Achieving the perfect flavor and texture requires slow cooking at a low heat for a prolonged period, leading to meat that effortlessly falls off the bone.

The slow cooker’s ability to maintain moisture and provide an extended cooking time makes it perfect for preparing lamb shank, resulting in an incredibly soft and tender dish.

Lamb Shank vs Leg Of Lamb

Both the lamb shank and the leg of lamb come from the leg of a lamb, making it easy to confuse the two. However, despite originating from the same area, they are quite different. The lamb shank is derived from a distinct part of the leg compared to the leg of lamb and typically contains less meat.

In contrast, the leg of lamb is a large, tender cut, similar to a sirloin or flank, and is ideal for oven roasting. While the leg is not as tough as the shank, the shank is the perfect choice if you are seeking meat for stewing or braising.

Flavour from the Bone

Lamb shank, commonly served bone-in, benefits significantly from the braising process. This cooking method allows the bone marrow to dissolve into the braising liquid, resulting in a rich and full-bodied sauce that infuses the dish with deep, delectable flavors.

Flavours that go with Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks are a favorite in Mediterranean cuisines such as Greek, Italian, French, and Moroccan. Known for their bold, gamey flavor, lamb shanks pair exceptionally well with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and bold herbs including rosemary and mint.

Rosemary, with its woody flavour, is the perfect companion for lamb dishes, while mint finds its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used in more complex lamb recipes. Other complementary herbs include oregano and thyme, which enhance the rich taste of lamb. Additionally, ingredients like garlic, rosemary, mustard, and lemon further elevate the flavor profile of lamb shanks.