Orange Lamb Shanks
Tender lamb shanks simmered in a flavorful orange and curry sauce, perfect for a comforting yet vibrant meal that pairs well with rice and fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet or 3-quart saucepan, brown the lamb shanks in hot oil; drain off excess fat.
- Combine the orange peel, orange juice, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and curry powder; pour over the meat.
- Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the meat is tender, turning occasionally.
- Skim fat from pan juices.
- Serve the meat and pan juices over hot cooked rice.
- Garnish with quartered orange slices, snipped parsley, and a green onion fan, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb shanks in the orange juice, teriyaki sauce, and spices for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have teriyaki sauce, soy sauce mixed with a little honey can be a good substitute. To enhance the dish, add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange lamb shanks over a bed of hot cooked rice to soak up the flavorful pan juices. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, consider adding some herbed couscous or a light yogurt sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lamb and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if necessary to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Lamb Shanks contains roughly 447 calories, with 17g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), and iron (123% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 64g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lamb shanks with other cuts of lamb, such as shoulder or leg, but cooking times may vary. Alternatively, beef shanks can also be used, though they will require similar cooking times to ensure tenderness.
What can I do if I don’t have orange juice?
If orange juice is unavailable, you can use another citrus juice like lemon or lime, but you may want to balance the tartness with a bit of sugar or honey. Pomegranate juice can also add a unique flavor, though it will alter the taste significantly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also serve the dish with a spicy condiment on the side, such as a chili garlic sauce, to allow each diner to adjust the heat to their preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).