The Best Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe for Dinner

Succulent mediterranean braised lamb shanks invite passionate home cooks into a world of rich, aromatic flavors.

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates slow-cooked meats with incredible depth and complexity.

Tender lamb transforms ordinary dinners into memorable culinary experiences.

Slow braising unlocks incredible tenderness and infuses each bite with herbs and spices.

Rustic techniques passed through generations bring authentic regional character to your kitchen.

Fragrant rosemary, garlic, and red wine create a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Savor this recipe and transport you to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes with every delectable bite.

Top Reasons To Love Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

• Savor Flavor-Packed Meal: Mediterranean braised lamb shanks burst with rich, complex spices that transport your taste buds to a culinary adventure without complicated cooking techniques.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup with a single Dutch oven, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time during meal preparation.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dining: Home cooks can achieve professional-level results with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, impressing family and guests with gourmet-style dishes.
• Comfort Food with Elegant Twist: Tender lamb shanks combined with hearty vegetables provide a satisfying meal that feels both rustic and sophisticated, perfect for special gatherings or weekend dinners.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

• Lamb Shanks: Rich, flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and succulent when slow-braised.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Baby Potatoes: Classic Mediterranean vegetable blend that adds depth and earthy sweetness to the braising liquid.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Warm and aromatic spice blend that enhances the lamb's natural flavor.
• Cinnamon Sticks, Thyme, Rosemary: Herbal and woody seasonings that provide complex Mediterranean-style undertones.

• Red Wine: Adds rich depth and helps tenderize the meat during braising.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory base for the braising liquid.
• Canned Tomatoes: Provides acidity and helps create a robust sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the lamb and sautéing vegetables.

How To Make Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks Today

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for some serious cooking magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Blend these spices until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Massage the Meat

Take your lamb shanks and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Rub the spice blend all over the meat, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Sear and Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drop those lamb shanks into the hot pan and brown them on all sides until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Once done, set them aside on a tray.

Step 5: Veggie Dance

• Chopped onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Baby potatoes

Saute the vegetables until they start to soften and become fragrant.

Step 6: Liquid Harmony

• Beef broth
• Canned tomatoes
• Cinnamon sticks
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Give everything a good stir and season with a bit more salt and pepper.

Step 7: Slow and Low Magic

Nestle the lamb shanks back into the pot. Cover with a lid and slide into the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 212 hours until the meat becomes so tender it practically falls off the bone.

Helpful Notes For Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

• Ensure lamb shanks are patted completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in delicious flavors.
• Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better braising results, creating melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
• Select high-quality red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to enhance the rich depth of the braising liquid and complement the lamb's robust taste.
• Allow the lamb to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help the meat reabsorb juices, making each bite incredibly succulent and tender.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular beef broth with a gluten-free alternative and double-check all ingredient labels to maintain dietary requirements.

Tasty Changes For Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

• Moroccan Spice Lamb: Replace the original spice mix with ras el hanout, add preserved lemons, and garnish with fresh mint for an authentic North African flavor profile.
• Greek-Style Lamb Shanks: Swap red wine for white wine, include kalamata olives, add oregano, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean coastal taste.
• Middle Eastern Herb Lamb: Incorporate za'atar seasoning, use pomegranate molasses instead of wine, add pine nuts, and serve with herbed couscous for a rich regional variation.
• Spanish Inspired Lamb: Include smoked paprika, use sherry instead of red wine, add roasted red peppers, and top with saffron-infused sauce for a vibrant Iberian twist.

What Goes Well With Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Mediterranean red like Syrah or Grenache to complement the rich lamb flavors and match the wine's intensity.
• Create Greek Salad Side: Prepare a crisp cucumber, tomato, and feta salad with oregano and olive oil to balance the hearty braised lamb and provide a fresh contrast.
• Serve Herbed Couscous: Make a light, fluffy couscous with fresh parsley, mint, and lemon zest that absorbs the savory braising liquid and enhances the Mediterranean profile.
• Offer Warm Pita Bread: Provide soft, warm pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce and allow guests to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful braising liquid.

How To Keep Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks Fresh

• Store leftover lamb shanks in an airtight container, keeping them submerged in their cooking liquid to prevent drying out. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual lamb shanks in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Remove excess air and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place lamb shanks in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Transfer lamb shanks to a baking dish, splash with broth or cooking liquid.

Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks Questions Answered

• Why use lamb shanks for this recipe?

Lamb shanks are perfect for braising because they’re tough, muscular cuts that become incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, releasing rich collagen that creates a luxurious, silky texture.

• Can I substitute red wine with something else?

Yes, you can replace red wine with beef broth, grape juice, or pomegranate juice. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor profile but still provide depth to the dish.

• How do I know when the lamb shanks are fully cooked?

The lamb is done when it’s extremely tender and easily falls off the bone with a fork. This typically occurs after 2-2.5 hours of slow braising in the oven at a low temperature.

Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean Braised Lamb Shanks bring rustic Italian countryside flavors to dinner tables with hearty comfort. Rich herbs, tender meat, and bold spices create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor from first bite to final morsel.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 lamb shanks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by preheating to 350F (175C), ensuring an optimal braising temperature for the lamb shanks.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg in a small mixing container.
3. Meticulously dry the lamb shanks using paper towels, then thoroughly massage the prepared spice mixture onto the meat’s surface for complete coverage.
4. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, strategically searing lamb shanks on all surfaces until a rich, golden-brown crust develops.
5. Without cleaning the pot, introduce chopped onion, celery, carrots, and baby potatoes, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavorful remnants from searing.
6. Deglaze the pot with red wine, letting it simmer briefly to concentrate flavors, then incorporate beef broth, canned tomatoes, cinnamon sticks, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Carefully nestle the seared lamb shanks back into the aromatic liquid, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transferring to the preheated oven.
8. Braise for approximately 212 hours, monitoring until the meat becomes incredibly tender and effortlessly separates from the bone, creating a rich, complex Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Select high-quality lamb shanks with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness during braising.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the dish’s complexity.
• Opt for bone-in lamb shanks to ensure richer taste and more succulent meat texture.
• Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels and prevent overseasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 432.12
• Sugar: 3.90 g
• Sodium: 1,196.25 mg
• Fat: 28.70 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18.78 g
• Trans Fat: 0.31 g
• Carbohydrates: 11.28 g
• Fiber: 2.07 g
• Protein: 26.58 g
• Cholesterol: 91.25 mg