Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah
Rich lamb shanks braised until tender, finished with a zesty finger lime squeeze and crunchy macadamia dukkah for texture and Australian flair. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.2 kg total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.2 kg total) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4, smashed garlic cloves
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1, halved finger lime
- 1/2 cup, toasted and crushed macadamia nuts
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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 sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown lamb shanks on all sides for 5-6 minutes until golden, then remove from pot.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, 1 chopped onion, and 4 smashed garlic cloves. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup dry red wine and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 4: Return lamb shanks to pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 3 sprigs thyme. Cover and transfer to oven, braising for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is tender.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare macadamia dukkah by toasting 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, and 1 tbsp cumin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until aromatic. Crush coarsely and set aside.
- Step 6: Remove lamb from oven and discard herb sprigs. Squeeze juice from 1/2 finger lime over lamb for a fresh citrus burst. Sprinkle macadamia dukkah generously on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah 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 Shanks with Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah?
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-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah?
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 Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah 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 Finger Lime and Macadamia Dukkah?
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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