Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

ByAmanda
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 20 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a soul-satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish, then you’re in for a treat. This Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe is one of those recipes that feels fancy yet comes together much quicker than you’d expect. The lamb is tender, the sauce rich and bursting with flavor, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Trust me, once you try this, lamb shanks won’t be intimidating anymore — it’s comfort food at its finest.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Effortless Tenderness: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking breaks down the lamb shanks beautifully, saving you hours compared to traditional braising.
  • Layered Flavors: Ingredients like balsamic vinegar and fish sauce add unexpected depth to the rich tomato-based sauce.
  • One-Pot Simplicity: You sauté, stew, and pressure cook your meal all in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor merge.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you want to use the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven, this recipe adapts without losing its magic.
Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks recipe, tender lamb shanks, easy lamb dinner, flavorful lamb stew - Inside a black electric cooker with a silver inner pot, there are three large pieces of browned meat placed on a bed of diced vegetables. The vegetables include small cubes of orange carrots, light green celery, and white onions, forming the bottom layer. The meat on top is thick with a mix of light pink and brown tones, showing some seasoning with specks of black pepper and salt. The surface underneath the cooker has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe plays a role in building unforgettable flavor while keeping the dish straightforward. And, since lamb can be pricey, I’ll also share tips so you get the best bang for your buck from your meat.

Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks recipe, tender lamb shanks, easy lamb dinner, flavorful lamb stew - Flat lay of a raw lamb shank with rich marbling, a large roughly chopped yellow onion, two medium roughly chopped orange carrots, two celery stalks with fresh green leaves, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden ghee, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown bone broth, a small white ceramic bowl of dark glossy aged balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of translucent reddish fish sauce, fresh bright green thyme sprigs, dried brown bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, freshly ground black peppercorns scattered neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced vibrant green Italian parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lamb shanks: Look for fresh, well-marbled shanks; the bone adds flavor and richness during cooking.
  • Magic Mushroom Powder or kosher salt: Adds essential seasoning; Magic Mushroom Powder gives a subtle umami boost that’s a game-changer.
  • Ghee or extra virgin olive oil: Ghee withstands heat well and adds a nutty depth, but EVOO is a fine flavorful substitute.
  • Onion, carrots, celery: The classic mirepoix base adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic cloves: Adds warmth and aroma without overpowering.
  • Bone broth: Injects layers of savory richness; homemade or store-bought both work.
  • Aged balsamic vinegar: Balances the dish’s richness with acidity and a touch of sweetness.
  • Red Boat fish sauce: A secret ingredient that amps umami and depth without tasting fishy.
  • Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Freshness with a touch of brightness that complements lamb perfectly.
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs: Classic herbs that bring earthy, fragrant notes.
  • Dried bay leaves: Add subtle herbal undertones that round out the sauce.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: A final touch of pungency to brighten the dish.
  • Italian parsley: Optional garnish that lends freshness and color on the plate.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how adaptable the Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with herbs and even tossed in some spice variations so you can make this your own. Don’t be shy—personalizing how you season and garnish is part of the fun!

  • Add a kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for some gentle heat and smoky warmth—it really wakes up the sauce!
  • Herb swaps: If you’re a rosemary fan like me, swap out thyme for rosemary sprigs; it pairs beautifully with lamb’s rich profile.
  • Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your broth and fish sauce labels to avoid hidden gluten.
  • Vegetable variations: Sometimes I add mushrooms (magic mushroom powder, anyone?) or parsnips for extra earthy tones and seasonal flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Season & Sear with Love

First thing’s first—season those lamb shanks really well with Magic Mushroom Powder or your favorite kosher salt. This not only enhances flavor but helps create that beautiful crust when you sear them. I like to turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add a tablespoon of ghee (or EVOO if you prefer), and then brown the shanks for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning frequently until every side is golden. This step ups the flavor immensely—I promise it’s worth the extra effort. No worries if you’re short on time; skipping the sear still yields delicious results, just slightly less savory depth.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Veggies

Remove the seared lamb temporarily and add the rest of your ghee or oil to the Instant Pot. Toss in your roughly chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then season them lightly to coax out their natural sweetness. Stir often as they soften, then add the tomato paste and garlic cloves—cook until you smell that garlicky, tomato-y aroma. This build-up is like the heart of your sauce and really elevates the final dish.

Step 3: Layer and Lock the Flavors In

Next, nestle the lamb shanks back into the pot on top of those luscious veggies. Pour in bone broth, aged balsamic vinegar, and Red Boat fish sauce for depth and umami. Top everything with your drained diced tomatoes, then tuck in fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs along with bay leaves. Seal the Instant Pot lid, and set it to high pressure for 45 minutes. The anticipation is real—this is where all the magic happens, with flavors melding and the lamb turning fork-tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When time’s up, let the pressure release naturally—or if you’re impatient like me, wait about 20 minutes then manually release. Carefully remove the lamb shanks and pick out the herb stems. Now, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the veggie base—it thickens the sauce beautifully without needing flour or other thickeners. Finish by seasoning the sauce to taste, then ladle it generously over the shanks, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh Italian parsley on top for that pop of color and brightness.

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Pro Tips for Making Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: It seals in juices and builds flavor—you can do this in batches to avoid crowding.
  • Use Quality Bone Broth: It makes a noticeable difference in richness; homemade is best, but store-bought works fine too.
  • Natural Pressure Release: This gentle method keeps the meat tender and prevents drying out.
  • Puree for Thickening: Instead of flour or cornstarch, pureeing the veggies gives a lovely sauce texture and extra veggie nutrients.

How to Serve Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks recipe, tender lamb shanks, easy lamb dinner, flavorful lamb stew - A white plate holds four pieces of dark brown cooked chicken covered in thick orange-brown sauce. The chicken pieces lay on a few long orange carrot sticks partially dipped in the sauce. Bright green chopped parsley leaves are sprinkled evenly over the chicken and sauce. The plate is held by a woman's hand against a dark background with a soft shadow. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this dish, I always sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley on top. It brightens the dish and adds a fresh bite against the rich sauce. Sometimes I also add a little lemon zest for a subtle zing, which I discovered by accident one busy weeknight—it really lifts the flavors without overpowering.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a silky parsnip puree for soaking up all that luscious sauce. Roasted root vegetables or even a rustic bread like crusty baguette are also my go-to sides because they balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the lamb shanks family-style on a large platter with piles of herb-parsley sprinkled over the sauce. Adding roasted garlic cloves or bright radish slices gives a beautiful contrast. Sometimes, I place the shanks over creamy polenta for an elegant but cozy presentation that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover lamb shanks and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for meal prep or a cozy second dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I separate the shanks and sauce for easy reheating, popping the sauce in a freezer-safe container and wrapping each shank individually. They hold up well for about 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently to keep the meat tender.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much. Reheat the lamb shanks separately in the oven or microwave until just warmed through—overheating can dry them out. Then plate and enjoy like fresh!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe without an Instant Pot?

    Absolutely! While the Instant Pot speeds things up tremendously, this recipe includes instructions for slow cooker and oven braising methods. The slow cooker version takes 8-10 hours on low but yields equally tender results, while oven braising at 300°F for 3-4 hours produces a classic, melt-off-the-bone texture. Just follow the same seasoning and layering steps.

  2. What’s Magic Mushroom Powder, and can I substitute it?

    Magic Mushroom Powder is a savory seasoning mix often used to enhance umami flavors. If you don’t have it on hand, kosher salt works perfectly fine to season the lamb and veggies. The powder just adds an extra flavor dimension but isn’t essential to the dish’s success.

  3. Is searing the shanks necessary?

    Searing is highly recommended because it caramelizes the meat’s exterior, locking in juices and deepening flavor. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it—the lamb will still be delicious but with a slightly lighter flavor profile.

  4. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

    You can definitely double it, but be mindful of your Instant Pot’s capacity. It’s best to cook in batches if you don’t have a larger pot or slow cooker. Otherwise, the flavors and textures stay just as fantastic when scaled.

  5. What sides go best with this lamb dish?

    This lamb shanks recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted root veggies, or crusty bread to soak up all the savory sauce. I highly recommend trying it with a silky puree or robust roasted greens for balance.

Final Thoughts

Cooking lamb shanks used to intimidate me, but once I embraced the Instant Pot, this recipe became an absolute favorite in my kitchen. It feels like a special occasion every time without the hours of babysitting a pot on the stove. You’re going to love how the tender meat and rich sauce come together effortlessly. So grab those shanks and give this Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe a try—I’m confident it’ll become a classic in your dinner rotation, too.

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Perfect Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Description

This easy lamb shanks recipe offers a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Prepared using your choice of Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven braising, the lamb becomes tender and infused with a savory tomato, herb, and vegetable sauce. The recipe features ingredients like bone broth, aged balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs that enhance the depth of flavor. Ideal for dinner, this recipe is simple to follow and yields four hearty servings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Lamb and Seasoning

  • 3 pounds lamb shanks
  • Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup bone broth (Instant Pot and slow cooker method) or 2 cups bone broth (oven braising)
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Red Boat fish sauce
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained or 1 pound Roma tomatoes, diced

Herbs and Flavoring

  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Lamb: Generously season the lamb shanks with Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the Lamb Shanks: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or extra virgin olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté function (or skillet/Dutch oven for other methods). Brown the lamb shanks on all sides in batches, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of ghee or olive oil to the pot. Toss in onion, carrots, and celery, seasoning lightly with Magic Mushroom Powder. Cook until they soften slightly, then stir in tomato paste and garlic cloves until fragrant.
  4. Add Cooking Liquids and Herbs: Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in bone broth (½ cup for Instant Pot/slow cooker, 2 cups for oven braising), aged balsamic vinegar, fish sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. Add thyme or rosemary sprigs and bay leaves, tucking them among the ingredients.
  5. Pressure Cook or Slow Cook: For Instant Pot: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally or wait 20 minutes before manual release. For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours. For oven braising: Preheat oven to 300°F, bring contents to a boil on stovetop then cover and place in oven to braise for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Remove lamb shanks and discard herb sprigs and bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables in the sauce to thicken it. Adjust seasoning with Magic Mushroom Powder, salt, and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve: Plate the lamb shanks, ladle the thickened sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh minced Italian parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • If short on time, searing the lamb shanks can be skipped—though browning adds great flavor.
  • Bone broth quantity varies depending on cooking method: use ½ cup for Instant Pot and slow cooker, 2 cups for oven braising to ensure sufficient liquid.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse the sauce during cooking; remove before serving.
  • For a vegetarian variation, substitute lamb shanks with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end carefully, as flavors develop during slow cooking and pressure cooking.
  • If using canned tomatoes, draining them helps avoid excess liquid; fresh tomatoes can be diced and used directly.
  • Ladle extra sauce for serving with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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