Tasty Lamb Shanks
Tender lamb shanks simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with soy and Worcestershire, perfect for comforting dinners and hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe shanks with damp paper towel.
- Remove excess fat and sprinkle with seasoned salt.
- Brown meat in hot shortening in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.
- Combine remaining ingredients except flour and water, then pour over browned shanks.
- Cover snugly and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Skim off fat from the sauce.
- Combine flour and water; add to sauce and shanks.
- Cook until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb shanks in the sauce ingredients for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have seasoned salt, use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and regular salt. You can also substitute the tomato soup with crushed tomatoes for a fresher sauce. To enhance the dish, add herbs like rosemary or thyme during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a comforting addition, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to complete the meal. This dish also works well with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lamb shanks cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Lamb Shanks contains roughly 713 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
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 boneless lamb shanks for this recipe?
Yes, boneless lamb shanks can be used, but they may cook faster than bone-in ones. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain tender. The flavor will still be rich, but bone-in cuts typically add more depth to the sauce.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you don’t have shortening, you can use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute. Both will work well for browning the meat and adding flavor. However, using butter may give a slightly different taste, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
How do I know when the lamb shanks are cooked properly?
The lamb shanks are properly cooked when they are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. This usually takes about 1 1/2 hours on low heat. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.
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).