Best 5 Chef Johns Braised Lamb Shanks Recipes

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Feast your eyes on Chef John's Braised Lamb Shanks, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and elevates the dining experience. These succulent shanks, slow-cooked in a symphony of aromatic herbs and rich red wine, exude an exquisite flavor that lingers on the palate. Each bite unveils a tender and fall-off-the-bone texture, complemented by a luscious sauce that encapsulates the essence of culinary artistry. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an eager home cook, this comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to recreate this exquisite dish in your own kitchen. With meticulous instructions and insightful tips, Chef John ensures your braised lamb shanks reach their full potential, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Dive into a treasure trove of additional recipes nestled within this culinary gem. Discover the secrets to crafting a delectable Lamb Shank Tagine, where succulent lamb shanks bask in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices, dried fruits, and tender vegetables. Embark on a culinary adventure to Greece with the Moussaka, a captivating dish that layers succulent lamb, roasted eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with the Birria de Res, where tender beef shanks are braised in a rich and flavorful broth, infused with the essence of guajillo and ancho chiles.

Elevate your culinary repertoire with Chef John's Lamb Shanks with Creamy Polenta, a dish that showcases the harmonious union of braised lamb shanks and a velvety polenta infused with Parmesan cheese. Indulge in the rustic charm of Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Garlic, where the simplicity of ingredients allows the natural flavors of lamb and red wine to shine through. Satisfy your cravings for comfort food with the hearty and flavorful Lamb Shanks with Barley, a one-pot wonder that combines succulent lamb shanks, tender barley, and an array of vegetables in a savory broth.

Unleash your inner chef and embark on a culinary adventure with Chef John's Braised Lamb Shanks. Let your kitchen transform into a haven of culinary exploration as you navigate the diverse recipes, each offering a unique culinary experience. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Chef John's Braised Lamb Shanks image

You don't often see lamb cooked with these spices, but they really work together wonderfully. The final plate ended up being a sort of North African/Central American fusion thing, with the fragrantly spiced meat and peppers resting on a simple bed of couscous.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 lamb shanks
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chicken broth
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup chopped cilantro
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Generously season lamb shanks with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place lamb shanks in the Dutch oven, cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer shanks to a plate. Drain off remaining oil and fat so only 1 tablespoon remains in the Dutch oven.
  • Stir onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt into the Dutch oven; decrease heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, chipotle chile powder, ancho chile powder, and ground cinnamon; stir to combine.
  • Pour 1 cup chicken broth over onion mixture. Increase heat to high; when liquid boils, place lamb shanks in Dutch oven. Cover and cook in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.
  • Remove Dutch oven and stir in jalapeno pepper, red bell pepper and 1/2 cup chicken stock; bring to a boil on the stovetop. Return pan to the oven and cook, uncovered, until lamb shanks are fork tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer lamb to plate.
  • Place Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat; bring liquid to a boil and cook, skimming off any foam, until liquid is reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over lamb shanks and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 89.3 mg, Fat 15 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 81.7 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

SABA-BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Saba-Braised Lamb Shanks image

If you're looking for a foolproof, wintry braised meat dish, this is virtually impossible to screw up! The only way to screw this up is to undercook the meat. The sauce has no thickeners, just pure 100% natural goodness.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 3h50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 large onion, sliced
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chicken broth
⅓ cup saba
½ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Place lamb shanks into a large bowl; drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and rosemary. Toss the lamb shanks to spread oil and seasonings over the meat.
  • Spread onion slices and garlic cloves into the bottom of a heavy 9x12-inch baking dish. Lay lamb shanks over onions and garlic.
  • Bake lamb in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
  • Combine chicken broth and saba in a bowl. Pour mixture over the lamb shanks. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and place baking dish on a baking sheet.
  • Bake lamb in the oven until a knife pierces the meat easily, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The meat will be tender but not falling off the bone. Use tongs to turn the shanks over in the pan sauce. Increase temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Return shanks to oven and bake, uncovered, until meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Turn shanks over in the sauce after 10 minutes and check for tenderness; if still not tender enough, return to oven for 10 to 15 more minutes and test again.
  • Transfer lamb shanks to a bowl and keep warm. Strain pan juices into a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Skim any excess grease from top of sauce. Taste and season with salt; stir in fresh rosemary. Serve sauce drizzled over lamb shanks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.3 calories, Carbohydrate 9.8 g, Cholesterol 82.4 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 25.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 1034.8 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

BEER-BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Beer-Braised Lamb Shanks image

Lamb, a classic springtime meat, stars in this comforting dish that's perfect for the chilly, dreary days between winter and spring. Garnish with sliced green onions. Breaking up the cooking time yields a superior texture and flavor but you can also cook the lamb all at once, simmering until fork-tender for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 11h55m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 lamb shanks
1 teaspoon salt, divided, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
2 sprigs rosemary
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a deep-sided pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook, turning as needed, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and reduce heat to medium.
  • Place chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in the pan. Season with a large pinch of salt. Cook and stir until vegetable juices start to come out, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir to coat, about 1 minute. Pour in beer and stir in rosemary. Raise heat to high and bring sauce mixture to a simmer.
  • Toss lamb shanks in with the sauce mixture. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until lamb is nearly fork-tender, flipping lamb after 1 hour, about 2 hours. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, at least 30 minutes. Refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Skim the fat off the top of the sauce, if desired. Cover and bring lamb to a simmer over low heat. Flip and continue simmering until meat is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone, about 45 minutes. Place lamb shanks in a bowl to keep warm.
  • Bring sauce to a boil over high heat. Boil until reduced by half but not too thick, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Plate the lamb shanks and spoon sauce on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 82.2 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 1362.8 mg, Sugar 7 g

JINX-PROOF BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Jinx-Proof Braised Lamb Shanks image

Lamb shanks are one of the most foolproof meat choices out there; and when you braise it, you have about as close to a sure thing as there is. After a long, slow roast in an aromatic, deeply flavored broth, these lamb shanks are sure to get rave reviews.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 3h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 ½ pounds lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
1 rib celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup red wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Place lamb shanks into a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil; season with salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, and thyme. Toss lamb shanks to coat with oil and seasonings.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until lamb is browned, about 30 minutes.
  • Reduce oven heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat; cook and stir onion, celery, and carrot in the hot butter until onion is browned, about 10 minutes. Stir flour into vegetables until combined; mix in garlic. Cook and stir for 1 more minute.
  • Pour red wine into vegetable mixture, stir to combine, and mix in chicken stock, water, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon. Pour sauce over lamb shanks in the roasting pan. Cover roasting pan with aluminum foil, sealing foil loosely so that the sauce can reduce slightly as it cooks.
  • Bake lamb shanks for 1 hour; flip lamb shanks and place foil back on dish. Continue baking until a fork inserts easily into the meat, about 1 more hour. Transfer lamb shanks to a large bowl, cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Pour braising liquid into a saucepan, place over high heat, and boil for 10 minutes, skimming fat as it reduces and thickens slightly. Stir chopped rosemary into sauce, check levels of salt and pepper, and serve lamb shanks with pan sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 502.3 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Cholesterol 168.7 mg, Fat 27.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 49.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 153.4 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

HEAVENLY LAMB SHANKS



Heavenly Lamb Shanks image

This is simply gorgeous because it's so comforting! The lamb shanks are slow cooked in a generous amount of red wine. Preparation is easy, too, it goes from stovetop to oven. This is best served with the pan juices poured over a creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, risotto, or even soft polenta.

Provided by Lasse's Solskinn

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 3h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

½ cup olive oil
4 (1 pound) lamb shanks
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
1 leek, halved and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 onions, cut into chunks
12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 sprig thyme
1 sprig rosemary
1 ½ cups red wine
3 cups chicken stock
1 pinch Sea salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Heat the olive oil in a heavy, metal roasting pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Toss shanks with flour to coat well; then shake off excess. Sear the shanks in hot oil until well browned on all sides, then remove from pan and set aside.
  • Add the leek, celery, carrot, onion, and garlic to the roasting pan. Cook until softened and lightly browned, stirring constantly; about 5 minutes. Season with the bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme and rosemary sprigs. Pour in the red wine and chicken stock, increase heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste with sea salt, and place the lamb shanks on top of the vegetables.
  • Cover the roasting pan tightly with heavy aluminum foil, and place into the preheated oven. Bake gently until the meat is tender and falls off of the bone, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove the bay leaf and herb stems before serving shanks with vegetables and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 824.3 calories, Carbohydrate 34.8 g, Cholesterol 173.4 mg, Fat 41.3 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 60.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 792.9 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality lamb shanks for the best flavor and texture.
  • Sear the lamb shanks before braising them to develop a rich brown color and enhance the flavor.
  • Use a variety of vegetables and herbs to create a flavorful braising liquid. Common vegetables include carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add depth of flavor.
  • Braise the lamb shanks low and slow to allow the meat to become tender and fall off the bone.
  • Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Braised Lamb Shanks is a classic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the tips above, you can create a delicious and flavorful meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

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