Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shanks simmered slowly in a fragrant curry sauce enriched with tomatoes and creamy coconut milk, a comforting Australian-inspired meal. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 kg) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown them on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp curry powder and 1 tsp ground cumin, toasting spices for 30 seconds to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Add 400g canned diced tomatoes, 400ml coconut milk, and 1 cup beef stock to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning the shanks halfway, until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander before serving with steamed rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut 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-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut?

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 (about 1.5 kg) lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut?

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-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut 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-Cooked Lamb Shank Curry with Tomato and Coconut?

Australian beef 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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