Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

There’s something comforting about a hearty, slow-cooked meal, and lamb shanks cooked in a rich red wine sauce embody this perfectly. This dish combines tender meat that practically falls off the bone, like my oxtail stew and the beef short ribs recipes, which I recommend you try out sooner rather than later.

The sauce is the pièce de résistance, full of depth and warmth. Whether you’re making this for a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish bound to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy lamb shanks, and a rich and flavorful sauce. Cooking the lamb low and slow also breaks down the connective tissues, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why Red Wine Enhances the Flavor

Red wine adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get from other ingredients. Its acidity helps tenderize the meat while adding a slightly fruity, earthy undertone to the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 cups of red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste for added richness
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce for a hint of sweetness

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How to Make Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks (Oven-Baked)

Prepping the Ingredients

Prepare all ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process smoother. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery, and set aside.

Trim and Season The Shanks

Wash and trim any excess fat from the lamb shanks to avoid a greasy sauce. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Browning the Lamb Shanks

1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until they develop a brown crust. This step adds depth to the flavor of the final dish.
2. Transfer them to an oven-safe dish or Dutch oven.

Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
2. Add carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and sweet.

Make Braising Liquid

1. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it.
2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, and any herbs.

Transfer Lamb Shank To The Oven

1. Pour the mixture over the lamb shanks in the oven-safe dish.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and then cover and bake for 2.5-3 hours

Slow Cooker Option

If you are using a slow cooker, set it on low and cook for 6–8 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

Creating the Red Wine Sauce

Ideal Wine Varieties

Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Syrah. These wines add a complex richness to the sauce.

Key Ingredients for Depth of Flavor

Combining garlic, fresh herbs, and beef broth gives the sauce a savory base, while tomatoes and wine bring brightness and acidity.

Tips for the Perfect Red Wine Sauce

• To enhance the sauce, I reduce it by half on the stovetop before serving.
• Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry if you don’t have enough time to reduce it on the stovetop.
• Adding a little butter at the end gives it a glossy finish.
• Thickening the sauce helps intensify the flavors.
• If I have no time to reduce the sauce, I sometimes blitz it with all the vegetables using a stick blender or thermomix. Then strain the mixture using a fine strainer to remove any lumps.

What to Serve With Lamb Shanks

Serve your lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, creamy cauliflower mash, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For that touch of freshness and crunch, try this cosi salad recipe.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning adds flavor, so don’t skip it!
• Using Inexpensive Wine: The wine’s flavor is essential to the sauce, so choose one you’d enjoy drinking.
• Overcooking in the Oven: Keep an eye on the lamb if using the oven method.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Other Comfort Recipes

• Oxtail Stew
• Asian Braised Short Ribs
• One Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole
• Beef Stir-Fry
• Chicken Pasta Bake