Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce

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

Succulent lamb shanks braised slowly in a rich sauce infused with Australian bush tomato and pepperberry for a deep, aromatic flavor. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 205 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion, diced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof 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 deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes and 1 tsp native pepperberry powder, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half. Add 2 cups beef or lamb stock and 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, then return lamb shanks to the pot.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and sauce is thickened and rich.
  6. Step 6: Remove rosemary sprigs before serving the lamb shanks with the bush tomato and pepperberry sauce spooned generously over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (25 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce?

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 with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce 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 with Bush Tomato and Native Pepperberry Sauce?

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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