Lamb shanks are a classic dish that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. The slow-cooked meat falls off the bone, and the rich flavors are sure to impress. While it may seem intimidating, making lamb shanks in a slow cooker is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious lamb shanks in a slow cooker.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. Here are some key components to look out for:
Lamb Shanks
- Look for lamb shanks that are about 1-1.5 pounds each. You can usually find them at your local butcher or supermarket.
- Opt for grass-fed or pasture-raised lamb for better flavor and texture.
Aromatics
- Onions, carrots, and celery are the classic aromatics used in lamb shank recipes. You can also add other vegetables like garlic, leeks, or parsnips to suit your taste.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves add a lot of flavor to the dish. You can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.
Red Wine and Stock
- Red wine is a key component of many lamb shank recipes. It adds depth and richness to the sauce. You can use any type of red wine you like, but a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah works well.
- Lamb or beef stock is used to add moisture and flavor to the dish. You can use store-bought stock or make your own by simmering lamb or beef bones in water.
Preparing the Lamb Shanks
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s talk about preparing the lamb shanks. Here are a few steps to follow:
Seasoning the Lamb Shanks
- Rub the lamb shanks with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. You can use a store-bought spice blend or create your own mix using paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Let the lamb shanks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
Browning the Lamb Shanks
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use any type of oil you like, but olive oil or avocado oil work well.
- Sear the lamb shanks until they’re browned on all sides. This adds a lot of flavor to the dish and helps create a rich sauce.
Cooking the Lamb Shanks in a Slow Cooker
Now that our lamb shanks are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the slow cooker. Here’s what you need to do:
Adding the Aromatics and Liquid
- Add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add other aromatics like garlic, leeks, or parsnips.
- Add the browned lamb shanks on top of the aromatics.
- Pour in the red wine and stock, making sure that the lamb shanks are covered.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
Cooking the Lamb Shanks
- Cook the lamb shanks on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can cook them for a shorter or longer period of time, depending on your schedule and preferences.
- After 6-8 hours, check the lamb shanks for tenderness. They should be falling off the bone and easy to shred with a fork.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is an essential component of lamb shanks. Here’s how you can make it:
Straining the Liquid
- After the lamb shanks are cooked, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard the solids.
- Skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the liquid.
Reducing the Sauce
- Bring the liquid to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s thickened and reduced slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Serving the Lamb Shanks
Now that our lamb shanks are cooked and the sauce is made, it’s time to serve. Here are a few ideas:
Serving with Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with lamb shanks. Simply boil diced potatoes until they’re tender, then mash with butter, milk, and your favorite spices.
- Serve the lamb shanks on top of the mashed potatoes, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Serving with Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted vegetables are a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with lamb shanks. Simply toss your favorite vegetables (like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes) with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the roasted vegetables, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making lamb shanks in a slow cooker:
Using Different Types of Lamb
- You can use different types of lamb, such as lamb shoulder or lamb neck, in place of lamb shanks.
- Adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, depending on the type of lamb you use.
Adding Other Ingredients
- You can add other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or mushrooms, to the slow cooker with the lamb shanks.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as cumin or coriander, to add more flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Making lamb shanks in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to prepare this classic dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce and tender, falling-off-the-bone lamb shanks. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, lamb shanks are sure to impress your family and friends.
What are the benefits of cooking lamb shanks in a slow cooker?
Cooking lamb shanks in a slow cooker is an excellent way to prepare this dish, as it allows for tender and flavorful results with minimal effort. The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture-rich environment break down the connective tissues in the lamb, making it tender and easily shreddable. This method also enables the rich flavors of the lamb and the accompanying sauce to meld together, creating a deliciously savory dish.
Additionally, using a slow cooker is convenient, as it allows you to cook the lamb shanks while you’re busy with other tasks. Simply brown the lamb, add the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it cook for several hours. This hands-off approach makes it ideal for busy home cooks who want to prepare a hearty, comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What type of lamb shanks should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, it’s best to use lamb shanks that are meaty and have a good amount of fat. This will help keep the lamb moist and flavorful during the long cooking time. You can use either fore shanks or hind shanks, but hind shanks tend to be meatier and more tender. Look for lamb shanks that are about 1-1.5 pounds each, as these will be the perfect size for slow cooking.
When selecting lamb shanks, choose ones that have a good layer of fat and a nice pink color. Avoid lamb shanks that are too lean, as they may become dry during cooking. You can usually find lamb shanks at most butcher shops or well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find lamb shanks, you can also use lamb necks or lamb shoulder as a substitute.
How do I brown the lamb shanks before slow cooking?
Browning the lamb shanks before slow cooking is an essential step that adds flavor and texture to the dish. To brown the lamb shanks, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the lamb shanks.
Once the lamb shanks are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Leave the drippings in the skillet, as these will add flavor to the sauce. You can then add the aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the skillet and cook until they’re softened. This will create a flavorful base for the sauce that will cook with the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
What type of sauce is best for slow-cooked lamb shanks?
The type of sauce used for slow-cooked lamb shanks can vary depending on personal preference. However, a rich and flavorful sauce is essential to complement the tender lamb. A classic choice is a red wine and tomato-based sauce, which pairs perfectly with the lamb’s gamey flavor. You can also use a sauce made with stock, herbs, and spices for a lighter and more brothy flavor.
When making the sauce, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and good-quality wine. You can also add other ingredients, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to add depth and flavor to the sauce. The key is to create a sauce that’s rich and flavorful, but not too thick or overpowering. This will allow the lamb to be the star of the dish.
How long does it take to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for lamb shanks in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the lamb shanks and the desired level of tenderness. As a general rule, cook the lamb shanks on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This will result in tender and easily shreddable lamb that’s falling off the bone.
It’s essential to check the lamb shanks periodically to ensure they’re cooked to your liking. You can do this by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the lamb is cooked. If not, cover the slow cooker and cook for another hour or two. Keep in mind that the lamb will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the slow cooker, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking.
Can I cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker from frozen?
While it’s possible to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker from frozen, it’s not recommended. Frozen lamb shanks can release excess moisture during cooking, resulting in a sauce that’s too watery. Additionally, frozen lamb may not cook evenly, leading to some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
If you need to cook frozen lamb shanks, it’s best to thaw them first. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by thawing them quickly in cold water. Once thawed, pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the lamb cook more evenly and prevent a watery sauce.
How do I serve slow-cooked lamb shanks?
Slow-cooked lamb shanks are best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread. You can also serve the lamb shanks with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded meal.
When serving, be sure to spoon some of the rich and flavorful sauce over the lamb shanks. This will add moisture and flavor to the dish. You can also serve the lamb shanks with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, to add a bright and refreshing touch to the dish.