Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCottonwood GrilleLamb Shank Recipe

Lamb Shank Recipe

Inspired by Cottonwood Grille
Time3h
Serves4

Make Lamb Shank Recipe in just 3h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Lamb & Marinade

Method

Lamb & Marinade

  1. 1

    Season and marinate

    Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels. Rub each shank with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper distributed evenly. In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves and lemon zest. Rub this mixture all over the shanks. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours (bring to room temperature before cooking).

  2. 2

    Sear the shanks

    Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat a heavy Dutch oven or ovenproof pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil (from the reserved amount if needed). Sear the shanks in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer browned shanks to a plate and set aside.

Braising Aromatics & Liquid

  1. 3

    Cook the vegetables

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.

  2. 4

    Build the braising base

    Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flavor. Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

  3. 5

    Add liquids and aromatics

    Return the seared shanks to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Add 3 cups beef or lamb stock and the 14 oz diced tomatoes with their juices so the liquid comes about two-thirds up the shanks. Add 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.

  4. 6

    Braise

    Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check once at about 90 minutes: if liquid is evaporating too much, add up to 1/2 cup additional stock or water. When done, the internal meat should be fork-tender.

Finishing & Garnish

  1. 7

    Finish the sauce

    Carefully transfer the shanks to a warmed platter and tent with foil. Skim any excess fat from the braising liquid. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat and reduce the sauce 6–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and enrich the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for extra umami.

  2. 8

    Serve

    Spoon the sauce and vegetables over and around each shank. Garnish with additional parsley and a light squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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