Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked lamb shanks braised in a fragrant tomato and ginger sauce enriched with warm garam masala spices for tender, flavorful meat. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks (about 3 lbs) with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown them on all sides for 6-8 minutes until a deep crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp ground garam masala and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed basmati rice or naan.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garam Masala Braised Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Ginger?

Indian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes