Pressure-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Vegetables

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Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)

Tender lamb shanks cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables in a pressure cooker, served with a rich sauce.

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 5min
Pressure-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Vegetables recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 lamb shank with vegetables)

Main Ingredients

  • 2
    lamb shanks
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1tsp
    black pepper
  • 2tbsp
    oil
  • 1
    large onion, roughly chopped
  • 4clove
    garlic, crushed
  • 1tsp
    cumin seeds
  • 1/2
    lemon, sliced
  • 1tsp
    dried oregano
  • 1tsp
    sweet paprika
  • 1/2tsp
    Chinese 5-Spice powder
  • 2
    bay leaves
  • 1cup
    crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2cup
    red wine
  • 2tbsp
    balsamic vinegar
  • 1cup
    beef or chicken stock
  • 1tbsp
    honey
  • 1tbsp
    gochujang sauce
  • 3sprigs
    fresh thyme
  • 2
    large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3
    medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

How to make Pressure-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Vegetables

Prepare and Sear the Lamb Shanks

  1. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper.

    Step 1.1: Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper
  2. Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function, add the oil, and allow it to heat.

  3. Place the lamb shanks in the cooker and brown them for about 10 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.

    Step 1.1: Place the lamb shanks in the cooker and brown them for about 10 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown
  4. Remove the seared shanks and set them aside.

Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Flavor

  1. In the same oil, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic.

  2. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.

  3. Add the cumin seeds, lemon slices, oregano, sweet paprika, Chinese 5-Spice, and bay leaves. Stir to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

  4. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and stock.

    Step 2.1: Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and stock
  5. Stir in the honey, gochujang (or tomato paste), and fresh thyme. Ensure everything is well combined.

    Step 2.1: Stir in the honey, gochujang (or tomato paste), and fresh thyme

Pressure Cook the Lamb and Finish with Vegetables

  1. Secure the pressure cooker lid, making sure the steam valve is locked in place.

  2. Set the cooker to pressure cook for 30 minutes, or use the meat function if your cooker has it.

  3. Once the timer goes off, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully unlock the lid.

  4. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, lock the lid again, and pressure cook on the vegetable setting for an additional 5 minutes.

  5. Quick-release the pressure when done, and your meal is ready to serve.

  6. Serve the lamb shanks on a bed of couscous or your preferred grain.

  7. Spoon the rich sauce over the top and enjoy the fall-apart tender meat with the flavorful vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Searing adds depth to the flavor, so don’t skip this step.

  2. Gochujang can be substituted with tomato paste for sweetness and thickness.

  3. Serving over couscous helps soak up the rich sauce, making each bite more delicious.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook lamb shanks in a pressure cooker for the best tenderness?

    To achieve tender lamb shanks in a pressure cooker, start by seasoning the shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them in oil using the sauté function for about 10 minutes on each side. This step enhances the flavor. After browning, cook them under pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes to ensure the meat is fall-apart tender.

  2. What are some suitable substitutions for ingredients in pressure-cooked lamb shanks?

    If you don't have lamb shanks, you can substitute them with beef shanks or even chicken thighs for a different flavor. For the red wine, you can use beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option. If you don't have gochujang, tomato paste can work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

  3. Can I store leftover pressure-cooked lamb shanks, and how should I do it?

    Yes, you can store leftover pressure-cooked lamb shanks. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure they are heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

  4. What side dishes pair well with pressure-cooked lamb shanks?

    Pressure-cooked lamb shanks pair beautifully with couscous, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables or a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

  5. Is this pressure-cooked lamb shanks recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

    Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the stock and any sauces used, like gochujang, are gluten-free. Additionally, serve the lamb shanks with gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice to maintain dietary compatibility.

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Diana Opoti

(@dianaopotieats)

Self taught cook making restaurant style food. ...

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