Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting meal that melts in your mouth and takes practically no babysitting, then you’re going to adore this Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe. It’s hands down one of my favorite dinner go-tos when I want something impressive but totally manageable. The lamb shanks come out tender and juicy, swimming in this rich, savory sauce that’s bursting with layers of flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail it every step of the way.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Pressure Cooking Magic: The Instant Pot transforms tough lamb shanks into fork-tender perfection in less than an hour.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: A careful balance of tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and fish sauce builds deep, umami-rich layers.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: Whether using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven, this recipe adapts to your preferred cooking method.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal active cooking time with simple steps that still deliver impressive results.
Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks, Tender Lamb Shanks recipe, Savory Lamb Shanks dinner - Inside a black electric cooker with a silver inner pot, there are three large pieces of browned meat placed on a bed of diced vegetables. The vegetables include small cubes of orange carrots, light green celery, and white onions, forming the bottom layer. The meat on top is thick with a mix of light pink and brown tones, showing some seasoning with specks of black pepper and salt. The surface underneath the cooker has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that irresistible, savory sauce and tender lamb. I always emphasize fresh veggies for that natural sweetness and umami boosters like fish sauce to elevate the flavors without overpowering. Picking quality lamb shanks is the first step to great results, so shop the meat counter for well-marbled pieces.

Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks, Tender Lamb Shanks recipe, Savory Lamb Shanks dinner - Flat lay of a raw lamb shank with rich marbling, a large roughly chopped yellow onion, two medium roughly chopped orange carrots, two celery stalks with fresh green leaves, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden ghee, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown bone broth, a small white ceramic bowl of dark glossy aged balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of translucent reddish fish sauce, fresh bright green thyme sprigs, dried brown bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, freshly ground black peppercorns scattered neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced vibrant green Italian parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lamb Shanks: The star of the dish, these benefit from slow, moist heat to become tender and flavorful.
  • Magic Mushroom Powder or Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning; mushroom powder adds an earthiness that deepens the flavor beyond salt alone.
  • Ghee or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Ghee adds a nutty richness when searing, but EVOO works great too for caramelizing the meat and veggies.
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatics that build the base of the sauce with sweetness and texture.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that adds depth and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic pungency and warmth.
  • Bone Broth: Rich liquid that enhances the sauce’s body and flavor; homemade or store-bought both work.
  • Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Gives a slight tang and sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
  • Red Boat Fish Sauce: A secret weapon for layering umami without tasting fishy – don’t skip it!
  • Canned or Fresh Diced Tomatoes: Provide acidity and substance to the sauce.
  • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Herbal notes infuse the sauce with earthy, piney flavors.
  • Bay Leaves: Boost the savory profile with nuanced warmth.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground for mild heat and aroma.
  • Italian Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds vibrant color and brightness right at the end.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about the Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often switch up the herbs depending on what’s fresh in my garden or pantry, or toss in a splash of red wine when I want an even deeper sauce. Make it your own and don’t hesitate to experiment with textures and flavors.

  • Variation: I once subbed rosemary for thyme and loved the piney aroma it added—give both a try to see what you prefer.
  • Dietary Mod: For a dairy-free version, skip ghee and lean on olive oil; the flavor remains rich and satisfying.
  • Seasonal Change: Toss in mushrooms or root veggies in autumn for a cozy fall twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Lamb

First things first: season those lamb shanks generously with Magic Mushroom Powder or kosher salt. I never skip this step because it’s key to building flavor right from the start. Then, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat a tablespoon of ghee or EVOO until shimmering. Brown the lamb on all sides—it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll get lovely caramelization here, which adds great depth. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip searing, but I promise it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Cook Down the Veggies

Once the lamb’s out, add the remaining tablespoon of fat to the pot and toss in your onions, carrots, and celery. Season lightly and let them soften for a few minutes—you’ll notice the air filling with a sweet, warming aroma. Stir in tomato paste and garlic, cooking just until they’re fragrant. This builds the base of your sauce with concentrated flavor.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce and Pressure Cook

Now, nestle the lamb back into the pot, pour in bone broth, balsamic vinegar, fish sauce, and top with your drained diced tomatoes. Tuck in the fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and bay leaves, then lock the lid. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the lamb becomes tender while the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Serve

When the timer’s up, let the pressure release naturally or wait 20 minutes before manually releasing. Carefully remove the lamb to plates and fish out those herb sprigs and bay leaves from the sauce. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the veggies and thicken your sauce. Taste test and adjust salt, mushroom powder, and pepper as needed. Spoon that luscious sauce over your lamb, sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like, and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Sear: Even a quick sear locks in flavor and improves the sauce’s richness.
  • Natural Pressure Release: Waiting for natural release helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
  • Use an Immersion Blender: Pureeing the veggies creates a silky sauce without extra thickening agents.
  • Season Gradually: Adjust seasoning at the end to fine-tune flavors; too early can overpower the dish.

How to Serve Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks, Tender Lamb Shanks recipe, Savory Lamb Shanks dinner - A white plate holds four pieces of dark brown cooked chicken covered in thick orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces lay on a few long orange carrot sticks partially dipped in the sauce. Bright green chopped parsley leaves are sprinkled evenly over the chicken and sauce. The plate is held by a woman's hand against a dark background with a soft shadow. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh Italian parsley sprinkled on top—it adds a pop of green and a bright herbal note that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes, I’ll add a little lemon zest for extra zing, or a drizzle of good olive oil for sheen and silkiness.

Side Dishes

This lamb pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, which soak up all that sauce like a dream. Roasted root vegetables or garlicky couscous make lovely accompaniments too. You want something understated to let the lamb shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the shanks on a long dish with the sauce spooned generously over—and finishing with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few microgreens for an elegant touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but is totally low-stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have get transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking—this keeps the lamb tender and the sauce fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day eating even better.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully—just portion the lamb and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the lamb and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth can refresh the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works too, but slow reheating helps maintain tenderness.

FAQs

  1. Can I skip searing the lamb shanks in the Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe?

    Yes, you definitely can! While searing adds extra depth and color, the recipe still produces tender, flavorful lamb shanks without it. If you’re short on time, just season well and pressure cook directly—you won’t be disappointed.

  2. What’s the purpose of fish sauce in this recipe?

    Fish sauce adds a rich umami boost that quietly enhances the savory profile without tasting fishy. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference in balancing the sauce’s flavors and deepening complexity.

  3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

    Absolutely. If you have fresh Roma tomatoes on hand, dice about a pound and drain any excess liquid before adding. Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and natural sweetness, making the sauce vibrant and fresh.

  4. How do I know when the lamb shanks are done?

    The meat should be fall-off-the-bone tender. When you pierce it with a fork, it should slide off easily. The 45-minute pressure cook time on high is perfect for this texture, but you can always cook a bit longer if needed.

  5. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or oven?

    Definitely! The recipe includes instructions for both slow cooker and oven braising methods. Slow cooker will take 5-10 hours depending on your setting, and the oven method requires 3-4 hours at 300°F. All methods yield delicious results.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that perfect blend of comforting and impressive, easy yet elegant. I love how it pulls together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, delivering a meal that feels like a hug on a plate. If you want a dinner that’ll have your friends and family raving – this is it. Give it a try, and I can almost guarantee it’ll become one of your favorite ways to cook lamb.

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Ultimate Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Lamb Shanks recipe offers a tender, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. The lamb shanks are seared and then cooked slowly with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce. You can prepare it using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven braising method, allowing versatility and convenience. The dish is enhanced with ghee or extra virgin olive oil, bone broth, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of fish sauce for umami depth. Garnished with fresh Italian parsley, it’s a comforting and hearty main course ideal for dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat

  • 3 pounds lamb shanks

Seasoning & Fats

  • Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup bone broth (2 cups if oven braising)
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Red Boat fish sauce
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained or 1 pound Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the Lamb: Season the lamb shanks evenly with Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
  2. Sear the Lamb Shanks: Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or extra virgin olive oil in your cooking vessel (Instant Pot, skillet, or Dutch oven). Sear the lamb shanks in batches over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the shanks and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining tablespoon of ghee or olive oil to the empty pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Season with Magic Mushroom Powder. Cook the vegetables until they soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the lamb shanks to the pot on top of the vegetables. Pour in bone broth (½ cup for Instant Pot or slow cooker, 2 cups for oven), balsamic vinegar, and fish sauce. Add drained diced tomatoes over the shanks. Tuck in thyme or rosemary sprigs and bay leaves.
  6. Cook:
    • Instant Pot: Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let pressure drop naturally or release after 20 minutes.
    • Slow Cooker: Transfer vegetables and seared shanks to slow cooker with liquids. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
    • Oven Braising: Bring contents in Dutch oven to a boil, cover, and place in a 300°F oven. Braise for 3 to 4 hours until tender.
  7. Finish the Sauce: Remove herbs from the sauce. Use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables and thicken the sauce to desired consistency.
  8. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with Magic Mushroom Powder, salt, and pepper as needed. Plate the lamb shanks, ladle sauce on top, and garnish with fresh Italian parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, searing the lamb shanks before cooking is recommended but optional.
  • Bone broth quantity differs by cooking method: use ½ cup for Instant Pot or slow cooker, 2 cups for oven braising.
  • Fish sauce adds umami depth—omit if halal or dietary restrictions apply and substitute with soy sauce or tamari if desired.
  • Use fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for aroma; dried bay leaves add earthiness.
  • The sauce can be thickened more by reducing it on the stovetop after blending the vegetables if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • This recipe can be adapted for a low salt diet by reducing or omitting added salt and fish sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 lamb shank with sauce
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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