A slow-cooked lamb glazed in a mustard sauce and served with a bright gremolata. A simple meal to master and cook for guests.
When I was growing up, my mom used to always say, “Every woman should have a go-to dinner recipe for special occasions”. For her, a “special” dinner was the kind of meal that you would cook for your in-laws, your husband’s boss, or simply when you needed to impress someone.
This braised lamb shank was one of those recipes that fit the bill perfectly.
The thing about this recipe is that while it is very easy make, it requires time. I recommend making it on a day that you are planning to be home for the rest of the day. To make it, all you have to do is to season the meat with a salt-pepper-sugar rub, place it in a Dutch oven (or any heavy bottom pot with a lid), and cook it on low heat until the meat is falling of the bone, usually close to three hours. After the first two hours, you will see that with the help of the low heat and the salt-pepper-sugar rub, it begins to develop some amazing flavors, making your kitchen smell like one of those authentic Brazilian churrascarias.
To finish it up, I glazed it with a lemon and mustard sauce and topped it off with an Italian classic, Gremolata – also known as chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic. I served it with Parmesan polenta, but it would go well with any starch of your choice.
Step by Step Guide to Mustard Glazed Lamb Shanks with Gremolata
For the Lamb Shanks:
- Combine salt, pepper, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Rinse lamb shanks and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Rub the lamb shanks with the salt-pepper-sugar mixture evenly.
- Place the lamb shanks in a Dutch oven on low heat (275F). Cover and cook, turning occasionally, for about 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Mix mustard and lemon juice with some cooking liquid from the pan. Spoon this mixture over the lamb shanks. Turn off the heat and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
For the Gremolata:
- In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.
To Serve:
Garnish each lamb shank with a tablespoon of gremolata before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Ensure the lamb shanks are thoroughly dried for better seasoning adherence.
- Regularly check and turn the lamb shanks for even cooking.
- The gremolata adds a fresh, aromatic touch, balancing the richness of the lamb.
Mustard Glazed Braised Lamb Shanks with Gremolata
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A slow-cooked lamb glazed in a mustard sauce and served with a bright gremolata. A simple meal to master and cook for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks (trimmed)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (preferably freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon
To make the Gremolata:
- 1/2 cup Italian parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
For the Lamb Shanks:
- Combine salt, pepper, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Rinse lamb shanks and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Rub the lamb shanks with the salt-pepper-sugar mixture evenly.
- Place the lamb shanks in a Dutch oven on low heat (275F). Cover and cook, turning occasionally, for about 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Mix mustard and lemon juice with some cooking liquid from the pan. Spoon this mixture over the lamb shanks. Turn off the heat and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
For the Gremolata:
- In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.
To Serve: Garnish each lamb shank with a tablespoon of gremolata before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the lamb shanks are thoroughly dried for better seasoning adherence.
- Regularly check and turn the lamb shanks for even cooking.
- The gremolata adds a fresh, aromatic touch, balancing the richness of the lamb.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 180 mins
- Category: Main, Secondi
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American Italian
good afternoon,
no oil or other liquid for cooking the lamb shanks? hm?! has anyone tried this recipe yet?
thanks!
erika
Hi Erika, actually this recipe is made without liquids – you can use a little bit of oil and sear them first, and then slow cook them for 3 hours at 275F.
This was the best lamb shank I‘ve ever cooked and ate! Almost no time in the kitchen at all, no browning beforehand required and you still get the most tender and delicious tasting meat. Nice finishing touch with the lemon juice and mustard. Served it over polenta with sage. DELICIOUS!!! Thanks!
Erika
Huzzah! So happy to hear that!