Greek Lamb Shanks

Greek lamb shanks are tender, flavorful, and so delicious. They are well seasoned and loaded with fresh Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon for added flavor and texture in every bite. These fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks can be braised in a Dutch oven, slow cooked in the crockpot, or my favorite, pressure cooked in the Instant Pot. Plus, they store and freeze well so you can make a big batch and save the rest for later. Serve them on their own or over Rice Pilaf with a side Greek Salad.

Why You’ll Love Greek Lamb Shanks

• The 30-minute marinade. You’ll want to marinade these lamb shanks for at least 30 minutes in a delicate blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. These spices infuse into the lamb quickly — adding so much flavor and making it even more tender.
• You can cook it in one of three ways. Greek lamb shanks can be braised in the oven in a Dutch oven, pressure cooked in the Instant Pot, or slow cooked in the crockpot. Whichever cooking method that you use, it will result in tender, fall-of-the-bone lamb that you will be making over and over again.
• The flavorful sauce. Much of the flavor in this recipe comes from the seasonings in the lamb’s marinade and the natural flavors of the lamb itself — but the sauce shouldn’t be overlooked. You’ll love the unique taste that the sauce brings to the table, seasoned with onions, garlic, and bay leaves. It also gets its Mediterranean flair from kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice. These ingredients adds an acidic kick to the sauce that adds freshness and cuts through the lamb shanks deliciously.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Greek Lamb Shanks, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

• lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
• lamb marinade - the easy marinade is made with olive oil, salt and pepper, paprika, and cumin.
• salt and pepper
• vegetable oil - for searing the lamb
• chicken broth - or substitute with water, or a combination of the two.
• bay leaves
• dried oregano
• onion
• garlic
• Kalamata olives
• sun-dried tomatoes
• lemon juice
• small potatoes - I recommend using baby potatoes, but you can also use larger potatoes, just cut them into small 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, and depending on the cooking method you use, either a Dutch oven, instant pot pressure cooker, or slow cooker (crockpot).

How to Make the Best Greek Lamb Shanks

1. Marinate the lamb shanks. Use a paper towel to pat the lamb shanks completely dry. Generously rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the lamb shanks. You can cook the lamb either in the oven, slow cooker, or instant pot.

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in a Dutch Oven

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for a minute. Add the marinated lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken broth (or water), bay leaves, oregano, onion, garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and potatoes. Mix well until evenly combined. The liquid should just cover the lamb shanks. If not, add a little bit more water.

Bring it to a simmer and cover the lid. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours until tender (and the meat falls off the bone).

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in the Crockpot

Heat oil over medium-high in a large skillet or Dutch oven until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the seared lamb shanks to a slow cooker and add in the remaining ingredients. Mix well. The liquid should almost cover the lamb shanks. If not, add a little more chicken broth or water.

Close the lid and set to cook for 8-10 hours overnight on LOW or 4-6 hours on HI. When time is up, the slow cooker will automatically switch to WARM setting.

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot

On the Instant Pot , turn on the Sauté function to high. Add oil and heat for 1 minute until it sizzles. Then, add the marinated lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well. Seal the lid and turn the steam release knob to the SEAL position. Pressure cook for 45 minutes until completely tender. Once the time is up, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position.

How to Serve

Serve Greek lamb shanks on their own or over Rice Pilaf with a side Greek Salad. Some other Mediterranean dishes to serve with this lamb is:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Wedge Salad
• Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Steamed Rice
• Roasted Spring Vegetables
• Greek Fries

More Lamb Recipes

• Sheet Pan Lamb Chops
• Coconut Lamb Curry
• Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb
• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
• Roast Lamb with Vegetables
• Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles

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