Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks without the wait, you’re going to love this Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe. This dish is pure comfort in every bite, with rich flavors developed in a fraction of traditional braising time—thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot! I’m so excited to share how you can get restaurant-quality lamb shanks on your table quickly and easily, even on a weeknight.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick, Yet Tender: The Instant Pot braises the lamb shanks to tender perfection in under an hour, saving you hours of waiting.
  • Deep, Rich Flavor: Searing the lamb and layering ingredients like balsamic vinegar and fish sauce builds complex, savory notes.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: You can adapt this recipe to your kitchen setup—Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven all deliver delicious results.
  • Simple Ingredient List: Everyday ingredients come together to create an impressive dish anyone can master.
Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Quick Lamb Shank Recipe, Tender Lamb Shanks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Lamb Shanks - 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

This recipe shines because of its simple, well-balanced ingredients that harmonize beautifully. From the hearty lamb shanks to the aromatic trio of onion, carrot, and celery, each component adds depth and richness. I always recommend using quality bone broth and fresh herbs for that extra flavor punch.

Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Quick Lamb Shank Recipe, Tender Lamb Shanks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Lamb Shanks - 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: Choose meaty shanks with good marbling for rich flavor and tender texture after cooking.
  • Magic Mushroom Powder or kosher salt: Adds umami depth, and seasoning helps the meat’s natural flavors shine.
  • Ghee or extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing and sautéing, ghee adds a lovely nuttiness, but EVOO works beautifully too.
  • Onion, carrots, and celery: Classic mirepoix base that gives the sauce its sweet and savory backbone.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrates the sauce with umami richness and slight acidity.
  • Garlic cloves: Provides aromatic warmth and depth.
  • Bone broth: Deepens the overall flavor—homemade or high-quality store-bought works great.
  • Aged balsamic vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and tang that balances richness.
  • Red Boat fish sauce: An umami bomb that elevates the savory notes without tasting fishy.
  • Canned diced tomatoes or fresh Roma tomatoes: Freshness and acidity help cut through the richness.
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs: Earthy herbs complement the bold lamb flavor beautifully.
  • Dried bay leaves: Add subtle herbal aroma and complexity.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Finishes the dish with a gentle heat.
  • Minced Italian parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and brightness to the final 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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to play around with herbs or even swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe invites your personal touch.

  • Herb swaps: Sometimes I use a rosemary and mint combo for a fresh twist—really makes the dish pop in spring.
  • Vegetable changes: If you like mushrooms, toss some chopped cremini in with the tomato paste step for earthier flavor.
  • Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that my family loves without overpowering the lamb.
  • Cooking method choice: Use the oven or slow cooker options if you want to set it and forget it, perfect for busy weekends.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Lamb Shanks

First things first, generously season those lamb shanks with Magic Mushroom Powder or kosher salt—you want that depth of flavor locked right in. Fire up your Instant Pot’s sauté mode and heat a tablespoon of ghee or olive oil until shimmering. Brown the shanks in batches, turning every few minutes to get that beautiful crust all around. This step is key for flavor, though in a pinch, you can skip it and still have great results.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Veggies

Remove the browned lamb and add your second tablespoon of ghee or oil to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery with a sprinkle of Magic Mushroom Powder. Let them soften, stirring occasionally—this is where your kitchen will start to smell incredible. Then, stir in the tomato paste and garlic, cooking until fragrant. This layering really brings the sauce alive.

Step 3: Combine, Seal, and Pressure Cook

Pop the lamb shanks back into the pot atop the veggies. Pour in the bone broth, balsamic vinegar, and fish sauce. Spread the drained diced tomatoes on top, then tuck in your fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs along with the bay leaves. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. After cooking, I usually let the pressure release naturally for that extra tenderness, but you can wait 20 minutes and release manually if pressed for time.

Step 4: Finish with a Puree and Seasoning Check

Once your lamb shanks are beautifully tender, take them out and plate them. Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves from the pot, then use an immersion blender to puree the veggies into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the meat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more Magic Mushroom Powder, salt, or pepper as needed. I like to sprinkle fresh Italian parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip Searing: That golden crust makes a massive flavor difference. Even if you’re short on time, try not to skip this step completely.
  • Natural Pressure Release FTW: Letting the Instant Pot release pressure slowly keeps the meat juicy and super tender every time.
  • Puree the Veggies: Blending the sauce thickens it and makes it irresistibly cozy—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary elevate the flavor far beyond dried, adding a lovely aromatic touch.

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, Quick Lamb Shank Recipe, Tender Lamb Shanks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Lamb Shanks - 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

I’m a big fan of finishing with a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley—it cuts through the richness with its bright, peppery flavor and adds a lovely green pop on the plate. Occasionally, I toss on some lemon zest for a zesty lift that pairs beautifully with lamb’s earthiness.

Side Dishes

This lamb shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want something lighter, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal with fresh peppery notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served these lamb shanks over a bed of buttery polenta, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers—it’s stunning and guests loved the elevated look. Or, try plating with creamy risotto for an extra elegant touch that feels fancy but is fuss-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool the lamb shanks completely, then store them in an airtight container with the sauce. In my experience, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day—if they last that long!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion the lamb and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. When I defrost, it tastes just as fresh and tender—perfect for batch cooking and saving time on busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the lamb and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out. A splash of extra broth or water helps loosen the sauce if needed, bringing it back to that perfect spoonable consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I skip searing the lamb shanks in the Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe?

    Yes, you can skip searing if you’re short on time. While searing adds depth and richness to the flavor and texture, the lamb will still turn out tender and delicious thanks to the pressure cooking in the Instant Pot.

  2. What’s the purpose of the fish sauce in this recipe?

    The fish sauce adds a subtle umami boost that elevates the savory flavors without making the dish taste fishy. It’s a secret ingredient that deepens the overall taste and makes the sauce more complex and satisfying.

  3. Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried in this recipe?

    You can substitute dried herbs, but fresh thyme or rosemary give a more vibrant aroma and flavor. If using dried, reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavor to develop.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers or ovens?

    Absolutely! The recipe includes instructions for slow cooker and oven braising, so you can choose the method that best fits your schedule and kitchen equipment. All methods yield tender, flavorful lamb shanks.

  5. How do I thicken the sauce after cooking?

    Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked vegetables in the sauce, which naturally thickens it. This technique adds body and richness without needing extra starches or flour.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire—it’s the ultimate comfort dish that’s surprisingly quick to make. Every time I serve it, I get compliments about how tender and flavorful the lamb is, and I love the relaxed vibe knowing dinner’s ready with minimal fuss. If you’re craving hearty, soulful food that’s simple yet impressive, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me, you’ll want it in your regular rotation!

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Easy Instant Pot Lamb Shanks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • 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
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Lamb Shanks recipe offers a tender, flavorful meal perfect for slow cooking in an Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or oven. Seared and cooked with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and a blend of rich seasonings, these lamb shanks deliver a hearty, comforting dish ideal for dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 pounds lamb shanks
  • Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 1/2 cup bone broth (Instant Pot), 2 cups bone broth (Oven method)
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Red Boat fish sauce
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes drained or 1 pound Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup minced Italian parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the lamb shanks. Generously season the lamb shanks with Magic Mushroom Powder or Diamond Crystal kosher salt on all sides to enhance their flavor.
  2. Sear the lamb shanks. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode until hot. Sear the lamb shanks in batches until browned on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. (Skipping searing is an option if short on time.)
  3. Sauté the vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of ghee or olive oil to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Season with Magic Mushroom Powder and cook until softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste and garlic. Stir the tomato paste and garlic cloves into the vegetables and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  5. Combine all ingredients. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the bone broth, balsamic vinegar, fish sauce, and tomatoes. Tuck in the thyme or rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Season with black pepper.
  6. Cook under pressure. Lock the Instant Pot lid and set to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
  7. Release pressure and finish. When cooking is complete, let pressure release naturally or wait 20 minutes before manually releasing. Remove the herbs from the sauce. Use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables, thickening the sauce. Adjust seasoning with Magic Mushroom Powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Serve. Plate the lamb shanks, ladle the sauce over them, and sprinkle fresh Italian parsley on top if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For Slow Cooker method: Follow the same searing steps in a skillet, then transfer the vegetables and lamb with liquids to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
  • For Oven Braising: Preheat oven to 300°F. Use a Dutch oven to sear lamb and vegetables similarly, add 2 cups bone broth, then cover and braise in oven for 3 to 4 hours until meat is fork tender.
  • If short on time, searing the lamb shanks is optional but adds depth of flavor.
  • Use canned tomatoes if fresh Roma tomatoes are unavailable.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually and taste before serving to suit personal preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 lamb shank with sauce
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 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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