Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb Sauce

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

Tender lamb shanks slow-roasted to perfection with a savory garlic and fresh herb sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the meat. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shanks, olive oil, garlic cloves 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 Mediterranean cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 4 lamb shanks evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the lamb shanks on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large quartered yellow onion and 2 chopped carrots to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1 cup red wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom, and cook for 3 minutes until reduced slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, cover, and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Remove lamb shanks and keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Reduce until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve lamb shanks drizzled with the garlicky herb sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb Sauce 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-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb Sauce?

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 lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb 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-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb 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-Roasted Lamb Shank with Garlicky Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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