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Roasted lamb shank garnished with rosemary, surrounded by sliced potatoes and onions on a round tray.

Lamb Shank

Lamb shank is a little bit of magic in the kitchen. Give it time, and it transforms from a tough cut into melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone goodness. With rosemary, garlic, and a splash of wine, every bite is packed with deep, rich flavor. The potatoes roast at the same time, soaking up all those delicious juices—no extra effort needed. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for a slow, delicious meal.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lamb shank
Servings: 4
Calories: 302kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lamb shank
  • 3 potatoes
  • ½ onion
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 glass white wine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Pat the lamb shank dry with paper towels. Make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the meat to help the seasoning absorb. Generously season with salt and pepper.
    2 pounds lamb shank
  • Place the lamb shank in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and add half a glass of water to the pan to create steam and keep the meat moist. Sprinkle a few rosemary leaves on top. Roast for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, peel and slice the potatoes into medium-thick rounds. Peel the onion, cut it in half, then slice each half into quarters. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
    3 potatoes, ½ onion, Salt, Pepper
  • After 30 minutes, flip the lamb shank and add the potatoes and onions to the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and place the rosemary sprig on top.
    1 sprig rosemary, 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pour the white wine over the meat and vegetables. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 40 minutes.
    1 glass white wine
  • Check for doneness before serving. Serve the lamb whole or sliced, along with the roasted potatoes and onions. Garnish with rosemary and serve hot.

Notes

  • Sear the lamb first: Browning the meat in a pan over medium-high heat before roasting adds even more depth of flavor.
  • Use red wine instead of white: If you prefer a richer taste, swap the white wine for a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
  • Add garlic: A few whole garlic cloves roasted alongside the lamb make everything more delicious.
  • Check the liquid: If the pan starts to look dry, add a splash of water, chicken stock, or more wine to keep things juicy.
  • Try different herbs: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, or even a sprinkle of oregano can switch up the flavor.
  • Add more veg: Celery, tomatoes, carrots, and parsnips are all excellent additions.
  • Rest the meat before serving: Let the lamb sit for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute, making every bite even better.
  • Slow cooker option: Sear the lamb first, then cook it on low for 6–8 hours with the wine, potatoes, and onions. It will be just as tender and flavorful.
  • Make ahead: Cook the lamb a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Fridge: Let the lamb cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the lamb shank in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheat: Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 913mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 3mg
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