Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Sauce
Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked with fragrant lemon myrtle, served with a zesty finger lime and herb sauce that brightens the rich meat. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 210 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion, chopped 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tsp lemon myrtle powder
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finger lime pearls
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown them on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp lemon myrtle powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pot. Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
- Step 4: Cover pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3 hours until lamb is very tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 5: Remove lamb shanks and keep warm. Skim fat from the sauce and stir in 2 tbsp finger lime pearls, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
- Step 6: Serve the lamb shanks topped with the finger lime sauce alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime 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 Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime 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 Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime 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 Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime 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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