Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus

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

Tender lamb shanks slowly baked in a rich jus flavored with Australian native pepperberries and fresh rosemary, delivering a hearty and aromatic dish. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 180 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Rub 4 lamb shanks with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp pepperberry powder, ensuring even coating.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for 6-8 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste to the vegetables, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic and the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits, and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 cups beef stock and 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, then return the lamb shanks to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  8. Step 8: Remove lamb shanks and keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan, discard solids, and reduce over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Optional: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry and whisk into the jus. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  10. Step 10: Serve the lamb shanks drizzled with the pepperberry jus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus?

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 Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus?

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 Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus 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 Slow-Baked Lamb Shanks with Native Pepperberry Jus?

Australian 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.

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