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December 10, 2024
Lamb shanks can be a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting Sunday dinner. Cooking them in the oven is a popular method that results in tender and flavorful meat. While the traditional way of slow-cooking lamb shanks can take several hours, there are ways to speed up the process without sacrificing taste.
In this article, we will share a quick and easy recipe for cooking lamb shanks in the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to follow along and create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that lamb shanks require a slow and low cooking method to achieve the best results. However, with a few clever tricks, you can cut down the cooking time significantly without compromising the tenderness of the meat.
So, let’s dive into the steps and techniques that will help you cook lamb shanks in the oven quickly, without sacrificing their delicious taste and texture.
Quick and Easy Lamb Shank Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pot for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot and pour the broth mixture over them.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the lamb shanks are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the vegetables and drizzle with the sauce from the pot.
Enjoy your quick and easy lamb shank recipe!
Preparation
Before you start cooking your lamb shanks in the oven, you’ll need to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Lamb Shanks
Next, season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour the red wine into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Herbs
Add the beef or vegetable broth to the pot, along with the sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Stir everything together.
Step 6: Braise the Lamb Shanks
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them down into the liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the shanks. If needed, add more broth or water to achieve the proper level of liquid.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the lamb shanks are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the lamb shanks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pot and transfer to a serving dish. Spoon some of the cooking liquid and vegetables over the shanks. Serve hot and enjoy!
Marinating the Lamb Shanks
Marinating the lamb shanks before cooking them in the oven can enhance their flavor and make them more tender. Here are some steps to marinate lamb shanks:
1. Choose a Marinade
Start by selecting a marinade that complements the flavor of the lamb shanks. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own using ingredients like olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Consider flavors like rosemary, thyme, and lemon to enhance the taste of the lamb.
2. Prepare the Lamb Shanks
Before marinating, prepare the lamb shanks by trimming excess fat and ensuring they are clean. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will allow the marinade to adhere better to the meat.
3. Coat the Lamb Shanks
Place the lamb shanks in a container or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the lamb shanks are fully coated with the marinade, using a brush or your hands to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Let it Marinate
Cover the container or seal the bag and refrigerate the lamb shanks for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
Remember to turn the lamb shanks occasionally to ensure even marinating. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.
Once the lamb shanks have marinated to your desired time, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before cooking. This will help to ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
By marinating the lamb shanks before cooking, you can elevate the flavors and create a delicious and tender dish that will impress your family and guests.
Seasoning and Cooking
Before cooking the lamb shanks, it’s important to season them properly to enhance the flavor. Start by patting the lamb shanks dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to adhere to the meat.
Next, prepare a seasoning rub by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme in a small bowl. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Once the seasoning rub is ready, coat the lamb shanks generously with the mixture, ensuring that all sides are covered. Allow the shanks to rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is preheating, heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add a splash of oil and sear the lamb shanks until they are browned on all sides. This will help to lock in the juices and develop a rich flavor.
After searing the lamb shanks, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and caramelized, around 5 minutes.
Return the lamb shanks to the skillet with the vegetables. Add enough broth or stock to partially submerge the shanks. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake the lamb shanks for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Check the shanks occasionally and baste them with the cooking liquid to keep them moist. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, you can add more broth or stock to prevent the shanks from drying out.
Once the lamb shanks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful dish.
For serving, the lamb shanks pair well with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the shanks for added flavor, and garnish with chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a touch of freshness.
Oven Baking
Oven baking is a convenient and efficient way to cook lamb shanks. By cooking them in the oven, you can achieve tender and flavorful results without constant monitoring. Here is a step-by-step guide to oven baking lamb shanks:
Ingredients:
| • | 4 lamb shanks |
| • | 2 tablespoons olive oil |
| • | 1 onion, chopped |
| • | 2 carrots, chopped |
| • | 2 celery stalks, chopped |
| • | 4 garlic cloves, minced |
| • | 2 cups beef broth |
| • | 1 cup red wine |
| • | 2 sprigs rosemary |
| • | Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear them on all sides until browned.
- Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the rosemary sprigs and return the lamb shanks to the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 2 hours, or until the lamb shanks are fork-tender.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let the lamb shanks rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the vegetables and cooking liquid, spooned over mashed potatoes or cooked rice.
Enjoy your delicious oven-baked lamb shanks!
FAQ
What is the best way to cook lamb shanks in the oven?
The best way to cook lamb shanks in the oven is to braise them. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. You can sear the lamb shanks first to give them a nice brown crust, then place them in a Dutch oven or roasting pan with vegetables, herbs, and liquid (such as broth or wine). Cover the dish and cook at a low temperature for a few hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
How long does it take to cook lamb shanks in the oven?
The cooking time for lamb shanks in the oven can vary depending on the size and tenderness of the shanks. Generally, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to cook lamb shanks in the oven at a temperature of 325°F (160°C). However, if the shanks are larger or tougher, it may take longer. It’s important to check the meat periodically to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Can I cook lamb shanks in the oven quickly?
Lamb shanks are traditionally slow-cooked to achieve tender and flavorful results. However, if you’re short on time, you can still cook lamb shanks in the oven relatively quickly by increasing the cooking temperature. Instead of cooking them at 325°F (160°C), you can cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The higher temperature will help to speed up the cooking process, but keep in mind that the meat may not be as tender as with slower cooking methods.
Can I cook lamb shanks in the oven without searing them?
While searing the lamb shanks before cooking is recommended for enhanced flavor and texture, you can still cook them in the oven without searing. Simply skip the searing step and proceed with placing the lamb shanks in a Dutch oven or roasting pan with vegetables, herbs, and liquid. The cooking time and temperature remain the same. The only difference is that the meat may not have the same depth of flavor and browned crust as when seared.
What is the cooking time for lamb shanks in the oven?
The cooking time for lamb shanks in the oven can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Can I marinate lamb shanks before cooking them in the oven?
Yes, marinating lamb shanks before cooking them in the oven can add extra flavor. You can marinate them in a mixture of herbs, spices, and liquids for a few hours or overnight.