How to Make Braised Lamb Shanks with White Herb Infusion

Experience the deep, rich flavors of tender lamb shanks slow-braised to perfection, infused with a delicate blend of fresh white herbs and aromatics. This dish transforms a humble cut into a gourmet feast with minimal effort. Ideal for special occasions or cozy dinners, the white herb infusion adds brightness and complexity to the hearty meat, making each bite satisfying and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, Fall-Off-the-Bone Meat: Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fresh Herb Flavor: A vibrant infusion of white herbs brightens the dish.
Balanced and Nourishing: Rich protein paired with wholesome aromatics.
Impressive Yet Simple: Perfect for entertaining or a special family meal.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lamb Shanks
Pat lamb shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides until golden, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Broth and Herbs
Return lamb shanks to the pot. Add broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, bay leaves, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer.

5. Braise
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, turning the shanks occasionally, until meat is tender and falling off the bone.

6. Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve lamb shanks with the aromatic broth spooned over, alongside your choice of sides—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 25g
Protein: 40g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Brown the Meat Well: This builds deep, savory flavor essential for rich braising.
• Low and Slow: Gentle simmering ensures tender, flavorful lamb.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs whenever possible to brighten and lift the dish.
• Make Ahead: Braised lamb tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Why This Recipe Works

The long, slow braise tenderizes the lamb shanks while the fresh white herb infusion adds an aromatic complexity that balances the richness. This dish combines comfort with sophistication in a way that’s satisfying without being heavy.

Braised Lamb Shanks with White Herb Infusion is a luxurious yet approachable recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. It’s a showstopper for special dinners or whenever you want to savor a nourishing and elegant meal.