Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Desert Quandong Sauce

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

Lamb shanks braised until tender and served with a tangy, fruity sauce made from Australian quandongs, a native desert fruit. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes blends (about 2 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large yellow 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 550 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: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 550 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 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes total until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then deglaze the pot with 1 cup dry red wine, scraping up browned bits. Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup quandong fruit puree, and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a tight lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone. Remove rosemary sprigs before serving with the rich sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Desert Quandong Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 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 Shanks with Desert Quandong 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 Shanks with Desert Quandong 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 Shanks with Desert Quandong 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 Shanks with Desert Quandong Sauce?

Australian slow cooker 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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