Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Introduction

Instant Pot Lamb Shanks deliver tender, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with rich, savory flavors in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. The pressure cooker locks in moisture, creating a deeply flavorful broth that perfectly complements the lamb. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.

I prepare this dish, and the aroma of seared lamb fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a comforting meal. The shanks brown beautifully, developing a deep, caramelized crust before I deglaze the pot with robust red wine. As the ingredients simmer under pressure, the flavors meld, creating a luxurious sauce. When I open the lid, the lamb is irresistibly tender, ready to be served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. I can enhance the dish with fresh herbs, root vegetables, or a hint of spice to suit different tastes. Instant Pot Lamb Shanks aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience, bringing warmth, depth, and richness to every bite.

Perfect for:

• A gourmet yet effortless dinner
• Impressing guests with minimal work
• Cozy, comforting meals
• Special occasions and holiday feasts
• A quick way to enjoy slow-braised flavors

Why You will Love The Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

This Instant Pot lamb shank recipe delivers:

• Fall-Apart Tenderness in a Fraction of the Time – The Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking method breaks down tough lamb shanks quickly, delivering incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat in a fraction of the time required for traditional slow braising.
• Deep, Rich Flavor with a Luxurious Sauce – A combination of red wine, garlic, rosemary, and thyme creates an intensely flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the lamb’s natural richness. The pressure cooking process helps infuse every bite with bold, aromatic depth.
• Effortless, Restaurant-Quality Results – This dish delivers an elegant, slow-braised taste and texture with minimal hands-on effort, making it perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight meal.
• One-Pot Convenience for Easy Cooking and Cleanup – The Instant Pot handles every step, from searing the lamb to simmering the sauce, eliminating the need for multiple pots and reducing cleanup time.
• Perfectly Versatile for Any Side Dish – Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, fluffy couscous, or roasted vegetables, these lamb shanks pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them adaptable to different meal preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour + natural release
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500–600
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 50g, Iron: 20% DV, Vitamin B12: 80% DV

Ingredients

For the Lamb Shanks:

• 4 lamb shanks (about 1.5 lbs each)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf

Ingredient Highlights

• Lamb Shanks: A flavorful, bone-in cut that becomes incredibly tender.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Garlic & Herbs: Infuse the meat with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the braising liquid and creates a silky sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Lamb Shanks

1. Season the Meat: Pat the lamb shanks dry and season with salt and black pepper.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.
3. Brown the Shanks: Sear each lamb shank for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base

4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Add Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
6. Deglaze: Pour in the beef broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Add Broth & Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.

Pressure Cook the Lamb

8. Return the Shanks: Place the lamb shanks back into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
9. Seal and Cook: Lock the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
10. Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before manually venting.

Finish and Serve

11. Remove the Shanks: Transfer the lamb shanks to a serving platter.
12. Reduce the Sauce: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the rich sauce over the lamb shanks and serve hot.

How to Serve the Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Pair these Instant Pot lamb shanks with:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A perfect base for soaking up the sauce.
• Polenta or Risotto: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Balances the richness of the lamb.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for mopping up the flavorful sauce.

Additional Tips for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

• Brown the lamb well to develop deep flavors.
• Use fresh herbs for an even more aromatic dish.
• For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) after pressure cooking.
• Skip the wine? Substitute with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Recipe Variations for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

• Mediterranean-Style – Enhance the dish with briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of capers for a bold, tangy twist. For even more Mediterranean flair, add a splash of balsamic vinegar and serve with orzo, roasted vegetables, or a side of tzatziki.
• Spicy Moroccan-Inspired – Infuse the dish with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and a pinch of chili flakes for a fragrant, North African-style braise. Mix in raisins, chopped apricots, or even a spoonful of honey for a balance of heat and sweetness. Serve with couscous, toasted almonds, and fresh cilantro for a complete Moroccan-inspired meal.
• White Wine & Lemon – Swap red wine for dry white wine and add fresh lemon zest and juice for a lighter, citrusy take on lamb shanks. Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to enhance the bright flavors. Pair this variation with buttery mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or a light fennel salad.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Butter – Instead of braising in wine, use rich beef broth for depth and finish with a drizzle of melted garlic butter infused with fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This method creates a comforting, buttery sauce that pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crusty baguette for soaking up the sauce.
• Tomato-Braised Italian Style – Use crushed tomatoes as the base, along with basil, oregano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeply flavorful, Italian-inspired dish. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions for a classic sofrito base. Serve with creamy polenta, risotto, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the rich, tomato-based sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

• Refrigeration – Store leftover lamb shanks and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, let the dish cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Freezing – For longer storage, freeze the lamb shanks along with their sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty resealable bag for up to 3 months. If possible, freeze individual portions for easy reheating. To prevent freezer burn, ensure the shanks are fully submerged in the sauce before sealing.
• Reheating – Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For best texture, avoid overheating, which can cause the meat to dry out.

Special Equipment for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger) for pressure cooking
• Tongs for handling the lamb shanks
• Ladle for serving the sauce

FAQ Section for Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes! Lamb shoulder or stew meat works well but may require slight cooking time adjustments.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the lamb first, then cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.

How do I know when the lamb is done?
The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes! Replace the red wine with extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

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Conclusion of Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Serve up tender and flavorful Instant Pot Lamb Shanks for a satisfying and comforting meal. The pressure cooker makes it effortless, infusing the meat with rich, deep flavors while keeping it fall-off-the-bone tender. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Make this dish today, let your kitchen fill with its mouthwatering aroma, and enjoy every bite. Snap a photo of your delicious creation and share it on Instagram—tag me so we can celebrate your cooking success. Happy cooking!