11 Mar Cuts of Lamb Series: Lamb Shanks

Photocredit: American Lamb Board

Lamb shanks are a rich, flavorful cut known for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness when slow-cooked.

This cut comes from the lower part of the leg and is packed with connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, creating a deep, savory flavor that’s perfect for cozy, comforting meals.

Here’s a quick guide to the cuts:

Foreshank: Slightly smaller and more tender, ideal for braising or slow-roasting with aromatic herbs and red wine for a fall-off-the-bone finish. Typically weighs 1-1.5 lbs.

Hindshank: Larger and more robust in flavor, perfect for hearty stews and slow-cooked dishes. Requires longer cooking time to fully tenderize. Typically weighs 1.5-2 lbs.

Both cuts are ideal for slow cooking, absorbing rich flavors from broths, sauces, and seasonings. Stay tuned for mouthwatering lamb shank recipes to warm up your table!

Calories: 160 calories per 3-ounce cooked portion
Protein: 26g per serving to support muscle growth and recovery.
Nutrient-rich: Loaded with B6, B12, Iron, Zinc, and Selenium—key for energy production, immune support, and overall wellness.
Healthy Fats: Provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to support cardiovascular health.

Lamb shanks are a wholesome, flavorful choice for your next meal—packed with nutrients and perfect for cozy, satisfying dishes!

Cooking with a Lamb Shanks

Lamb shank is a rich, flavorful cut that transforms into fall-off-the-bone tenderness when cooked low and slow—perfect for hearty, comforting meals! Here are some delicious ways to prepare it:

Braise: Cook lamb shanks in a rich broth with red wine, garlic, and herbs for a fork-tender, flavorful dish. The longer the braise, the deeper the flavor!

Slow Cook: Let lamb shanks simmer in a slow cooker with aromatic spices and vegetables for a melt-in-your-mouth meal. Perfect for stews and curries.

Sous Vide: Cook lamb shanks at 165°F for 24 hours to achieve buttery tenderness and juicy flavor. Finish with a quick sear for a crispy crust.

Roast: Roast lamb shanks at a low temperature, basting with a glaze or sauce, until the meat is succulent and pulls away from the bone.

Pro Tip: Cook lamb shanks to an internal temperature of 145°F (medium-rare) to 160°F (medium) and let them rest before serving to lock in the juices!
Lamb shanks are a hearty, comforting cut that’s perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings.

Here are 6 great lamb shank recipes to try!

This recipe offers a harmonious blend of tender lamb, savory herbs, and a tangy-sweet citrus honey glaze. The lamb shanks are roasted to achieve a rich brown color, then slow-cooked with garlic and rosemary, and finally glazed with a mixture of orange juice and honey for a delightful finish.

In this dish, lamb shanks are dusted with flour and browned before being braised with garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and thyme. The addition of white wine and chicken or beef stock enhances the flavors, and the inclusion of fingerling potatoes and mixed olives adds heartiness to the meal.

This recipe features lamb shanks browned and then braised in a rich mixture of Zinfandel wine, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The dish is complemented by sautéed bacon and onions stirred into cooked white beans, creating a robust and satisfying meal.

This hearty ragu combines bone-in lamb shanks with diced onions, garlic, red peppers, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices. The mixture is pressure-cooked until the lamb is tender and then shredded and tossed with Pappardelle pasta. Topping the dish with fresh burrata cheese and basil pesto elevates the flavors.

This recipe presents an explosion of flavors with tender lamb shanks marinated in a spicy birria sauce made from Guajillo chiles, chipotle in adobo, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The slow-cooked lamb is shredded and served in tortillas dipped in the birria sauce, topped with cheese, cilantro, and diced onions, offering a delectable twist on traditional tacos.

This recipe combines the comfort of crispy fries with the rich, savory flavor of lamb gravy. Tender lamb shanks cooked with garlic, onions, and stock to create a deep, hearty sauce that perfectly coats the fries. Finished with gooey cheese curds and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this dish is the ultimate indulgence, blending classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.

How will you prepare your lamb shanks?

Whether it’s a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion, lamb shank is the ultimate cut for rich, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Slow-cooked to perfection, it absorbs deep flavors from broths, herbs, and spices, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Packed with nutrients and bursting with savory goodness, lamb shank is perfect for hearty stews, braised dishes, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Try it in your next meal and discover why lamb shank is a timeless favorite!