Orange Braised Lamb Shanks
Elevate your dinner table with these luscious Orange Braised Lamb Shanks, a recipe that delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a symphony of bright, savory flavors. This dish features succulent lamb shanks slow-cooked in a vibrant sauce of fresh orange juice, white wine, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. The caramelized vegetables and a touch of honey add depth and sweetness, perfectly balancing the citrusy zing. Gently braised in the oven for hours, the lamb becomes irresistibly tender, with a rich, orange-infused sauce that’s perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or fluffy rice. With its impressive presentation and comforting, sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is ideal for special occasions or an indulgent weekend feast. Prepare to wow your guests with this elegant yet approachable take on slow-cooked lamb!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces lamb shanks
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 zest of an orange
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef stock
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons honey
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2
Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove the shanks from the pot and set them aside.
Step 5
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Step 6
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 7
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 8
Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, chicken or beef stock, honey, rosemary, thyme, and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine.
Step 9
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Step 10
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Step 11
Cook the lamb shanks for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Check occasionally and add a bit more stock if needed to ensure the shanks remain partially submerged.
Step 12
Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.
Step 13
If desired, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 14
Serve the lamb shanks over mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice, generously spooning the orange-infused sauce on top.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2843.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1935.1 |
| Total Fat 87.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 420mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5689.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 117.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 76.9g | |
| Protein 125.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 419.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3779.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories