Braised Lamb Shank with Spices and Honey

by | May 2, 2026 | 0 comments

4.4 (18 reviews)
A tender braised lamb shank served over a bed of creamy polenta in a rustic stone restaurant
Prep time : 30 minutes
Cooking Time : 180 minutes
Total Time : 210 minutes
Nutrition : 710 Calories
Difficulty : Medium
Cuisine :

French

Category : Dinner

Ingredients :

  • 4 lamb shanks (approx 400g each)
  • 4 tbsp wildflower honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 medium onions, mirepoix cut
  • 2 carrots, mirepoix cut
  • 500ml lamb or beef stock
  • 100ml balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Method :

1. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander on all sides.
2. In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the shanks until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened and translucent.
4. Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom to incorporate the fond.
5. Return the shanks to the pot, then add the honey, cinnamon stick, star anise, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Pour in the stock until the lamb is approximately two-thirds submerged.
7. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and braise in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3 hours, basting every hour.
8. Carefully remove the tender shanks and strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh chinois into a clean saucepan.
9. Reduce the liquid over high heat until it forms a thick, syrupy glaze; coat the lamb shanks with the reduction before serving.

Recipe Notes :

Généré par IA

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the lamb shanks are perfectly tender?

The lamb is ready when the meat pulls away easily from the bone with a fork and is tender enough to be cut with the side of a spoon.

Can I prepare this braised lamb recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop while refrigerated in the braising liquid.

What is the best side dish to serve with these lamb shanks?

These shanks pair beautifully with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or roasted root vegetables to soak up the balsamic reduction.

Why We Love This Recipe ?

Slow-braised lamb shanks infused with aromatic spices and wildflower honey until falling off the bone. A quintessential French bistro classic finished with a glossy balsamic reduction.


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