Flavorful braised lamb shanks—a hallmark of Easter dinner for some, and the makings of an above-average Thursday night for others—may require a few hours of patience, but the results are worth the wait.


How to Braise Lamb Shank: Tender Braised Lamb Shank Recipe

Lamb shank is a cut of meat from the shin region of the lamb leg that’s typically sold in two variations: The foreshank (from the smaller front legs) and the hindshank (from the meatier back legs), with the meat intact around the bone.    

Lamb is a grassy, gamey meat, and lamb shanks are the boldest expression of that gaminess, thanks to their higher levels of connective tissue and relative lack of fat. Lamb shanks are an [ideal protein for braising](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables), a combination-cooking method that starts with pan-searing followed by slow cooking in a liquid—usually in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. 

Braising is the best way to prepare lamb shanks, which can turn stringy when cooked too quickly. Braising tenderizes tougher cuts of meat, dissolving collagen and connective tissue into gelatin (which makes for a richer sauce or gravy later on) and coaxing flavor through every meat fiber until it’s fork-tender. 
Lamb shanks are best served with garnishes that can soak up all of its flavorful braising liquid, like mashed potatoes or [polenta](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-creamy-polenta-recipe). For complementary side dishes, opt for simple preparations of fresh spring veggies, like green beans, radishes, snow peas, asparagus, or mushrooms. 

Mint sauce is typically served with lamb because the herb’s sharp, clarifying flavor can stand up to the protein’s equally sharp flavor profile. A bright, kicky salsa verde or chimichurri also pair well with braised lamb shanks.

Flavorful braised lamb shanks—a hallmark of Easter dinner for some, and the makings of an above-average Thursday night for others—may require a few hours of patience, but the results are worth the wait.


Lamb shank is a cut of meat from the shin region of the lamb leg that’s typically sold in two variations: The foreshank (from the smaller front legs) and the hindshank (from the meatier back legs), with the meat intact around the bone.

What Is a Lamb Shank?

Lamb is a grassy, gamey meat, and lamb shanks are the boldest expression of that gaminess, thanks to their higher levels of connective tissue and relative lack of fat. Lamb shanks are an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables","linkCopy":"ideal protein for braising","category":null}'>ideal protein for braising</a>, a combination-cooking method that starts with pan-searing followed by slow cooking in a liquid—usually in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. Braising is the best way to prepare lamb shanks, which can turn stringy when cooked too quickly. Braising tenderizes tougher cuts of meat, dissolving collagen and connective tissue into gelatin (which makes for a richer sauce or gravy later on) and coaxing flavor through every meat fiber until it’s fork-tender.

What Does Lamb Shank Taste Like?

Lamb shanks are best served with garnishes that can soak up all of its flavorful braising liquid, like mashed potatoes or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-creamy-polenta-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-creamy-polenta-recipe","linkCopy":"polenta","category":null}'>polenta</a>. For complementary side dishes, opt for simple preparations of fresh spring veggies, like green beans, radishes, snow peas, asparagus, or mushrooms. Mint sauce is typically served with lamb because the herb’s sharp, clarifying flavor can stand up to the protein’s equally sharp flavor profile. A bright, kicky salsa verde or chimichurri also pair well with braised lamb shanks.

What to Serve With Lamb Shanks

Braised Lamb Shank Recipe

Flavorful braised lamb shanks—a hallmark of Easter dinner for some, and the makings of an above-average Thursday night for others—may require a few hours of patience, but the results are worth the wait.