Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

There’s something truly special about the rich, savory flavors of lamb shanks. This tough cut of meat, when cooked slowly and with care, transforms into a tender and flavorful dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Using an Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time while still delivering the same delicious results as traditional braising methods. This recipe for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks will guide you through creating a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

As I prepare the ingredients, I can’t help but think of the countless times I’ve made these lamb shanks for family and friends. They are always a hit, disappearing quickly and leaving everyone asking for the recipe. The kitchen fills with the rich, savory aroma of lamb, herbs, and red wine, creating a sense of warmth and joy. These lamb shanks are more than just a meal; they are a way to bring people together, to create memories and share love through food.

Resume:

Instant Pot Lamb Shanks are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time, making it possible to enjoy tender and flavorful lamb shanks in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve perfect results. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is both delicious and memorable.

The combination of lamb, red wine, and herbs makes these lamb shanks a standout dish that will leave your family and friends craving more. They are the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Exciting Story:

My family absolutely adores these Instant Pot Lamb Shanks. The first time I made them, my kids couldn’t get enough. They would sneak into the kitchen, their eyes wide with excitement, hoping to snatch a taste before dinner. Now, these lamb shanks are a staple in our household, and I often find myself making a double batch just to keep up with the demand. They have become our go-to dish for family gatherings, and even our friends have started requesting them for potlucks and parties.

 

Why These Instant Pot Lamb Shanks are a Must-Try

These lamb shanks are not your average meal. They are a masterpiece of flavors, combining the richness of lamb with the bold, savory notes of red wine and herbs. The result is a dish that is both indulgent and comforting, with tender meat that falls off the bone. They are the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Cuisine: American

What You Need For Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

• 4 lamb shanks (approximately 400g/14oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or any full-bodied red wine)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

How to Make Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

1. Season the Lamb Shanks:
   • Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Lamb Shanks:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
   • Add the lamb shanks in a single layer and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the lamb shanks and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Liquid and Herbs:
   • Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, and rosemary sprigs.
6. Pressure Cook the Lamb Shanks:
   • Return the lamb shanks to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid.
   • Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
   • Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 40 minutes on high pressure.
7. Natural Release:
   • Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
8. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the lamb shanks from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
   • Discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs.
   • Spoon the sauce over the lamb shanks and serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables.

Tips For Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

For the best results, make sure your lamb shanks are at room temperature before searing. This ensures that they brown evenly and do not cool down the pot too much. When sautéing the vegetables, make sure they are softened before adding the garlic to prevent it from burning. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the liquid further using the “Sauté” function after removing the lamb shanks.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have red wine, you can use beef or chicken stock as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, you can use thyme or oregano instead of rosemary. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce can add an extra layer of flavor. You can also try using different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added variety.

Make a Healthier Version

To make a healthier version of these lamb shanks, you can use low-sodium beef stock and reduce the amount of salt used for seasoning. You can also skim off any excess fat from the sauce before serving. Adding more vegetables like spinach or kale to the sauce can increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Closing For Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

And there you have it! Instant Pot Lamb Shanks that are sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just because, these lamb shanks are a surefire way to bring joy to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions For Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

1. Can I use a different cut of lamb?
   • While lamb shanks are ideal for this recipe due to their tough texture that becomes tender when cooked, you can use lamb shoulder as a substitute.
2. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker or a Dutch oven. For a slow cooker, follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours. For a Dutch oven, follow the same steps but bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours.
3. How should I store the leftovers?
   • Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
   • While red wine is preferred for its robust flavor, you can use white wine as a substitute. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
5. What can I serve with these lamb shanks?
   • These lamb shanks pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

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Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

0

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 4 4 lamb shanks (approximately 400g/14oz each)

• 1 tablespoon 1 olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 1 onion, chopped

• 2 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves 3 garlic, minced

• 2 2 bay leaves

• 2 sprigs 2 fresh rosemary

• 1 cup 1 red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or any full-bodied red wine)

• 2 cups 2 beef stock

• 2 tablespoons 2 tomato paste

Directions

• Season the Lamb Shanks:
• Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper.
• Sear the Lamb Shanks:
• Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• Add the lamb shanks in a single layer and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the lamb shanks and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables:
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
• Deglaze the Pot:
• Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the Liquid and Herbs:
• Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, and rosemary sprigs.
• Pressure Cook the Lamb Shanks:
• Return the lamb shanks to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 40 minutes on high pressure.
• Natural Release:
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• Serve:
• Carefully remove the lamb shanks from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
• Discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs.
• Spoon the sauce over the lamb shanks and serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables.

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