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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 4

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	2843.5 grams (2843.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1935

Total Fat 87.10g	112%
Saturated Fat 28.70g	144%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 420mg	140%
Sodium 5689mg	247%
Total Carbohydrate 117.00g	43%
Dietary Fiber 14.30g	51%
Total Sugars 76.90g
Protein 125.20g	250%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 419mg	32%
Iron 18mg	101%
Potassium 3779mg	80%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.7%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 26.7%