Description

Stout-Braised Lamb Shanks are a comforting, hearty dish that combines rich, tender lamb with the deep, earthy flavors of stout beer. The slow-braising process creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a flavorful sauce that makes this dish perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. With its sophisticated flavors, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and make any meal feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 lbs bone-in lamb shanks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 bottle dark stout beer (like Guinness)
2 cups beef stock
2 sprigs rosemary
2 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the Lamb Shanks:
Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides until deeply caramelized—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the Stout and Stock:
Pour in stout beer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef stock, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Braise the Lamb:
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Braise for 2.5-3 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
Finish and Serve:
Once done, remove the lamb shanks from the pot. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth or leave it chunky. Let the sauce reduce if needed. Serve the lamb with a generous spoonful of sauce over the top.

Notes

Sear the Lamb Well: Deep browning adds incredible flavor.
Slow and Low: Braise the lamb slowly at low temperatures for perfect tenderness.
Reduce the Sauce: If needed, simmer the sauce uncovered to thicken for a richer finish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 lamb shank (approximately 6 oz of meat with sauce)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 50g
Cholesterol: 90mg