Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Macadamia and Rosemary Crust

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

Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-braised and finished with a crunchy macadamia nut and rosemary crust for rich Australian-inspired comfort. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lb total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large (about 1 cup) onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown shanks on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze, and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb shanks to the pot. Add 2 cups beef broth and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary. Cover with a lid and place in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup ground macadamia nuts and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a small bowl. When lamb is done, remove shanks and preheat broiler.
  6. Step 6: Spread the macadamia-breadcrumb mixture over the lamb shanks and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve immediately with the braising liquid spooned over.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Macadamia and Rosemary Crust 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 Macadamia and Rosemary Crust?

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 Macadamia and Rosemary Crust?

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 Macadamia and Rosemary Crust 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 Macadamia and Rosemary Crust?

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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