Guinness-Braised Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Indulge in the rich flavors of these tender lamb shanks braised to perfection in a delectable Guinness stout sauce. This slow-cooked dish combines aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a hint of mustard, creating a stew that's perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. The meat becomes so tender that it falls off the bone, and the sauce is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up every drop. Experience a taste of Ireland with this comforting and hearty meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb shanks
4 lbs (bone-in, trimmed)
Flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly cracked)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for browning)
Onions
4 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon
Bay leaf
1
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Mustard
1 tablespoon
Guinness stout
1 1/2 cups (or other dark beer)
Beef broth
1/2 cup (undiluted)
Instructions
1
Start by lightly coating the lamb shanks in a mixture of flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Shake off any excess flour and reserve the leftover flour for later.
2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the lamb shanks and sear them until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the shanks to the slow cooker.
3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the same pan. Sauté until softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, and the reserved flour to the onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5
Stir in the tomato paste and mustard, allowing to cook for another minute before gradually pouring in the Guinness stout and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and combine all the flavors.
6
Pour the mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-coated.
7
Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the lamb shanks are tender and fall off the bone.
8
Once finished, carefully remove the lamb shanks and serve with the rich sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Guinness-Braised Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks.
How much lamb is required?
You will need 4 lbs of bone-in, trimmed lamb shanks.
What is the recommended cooking time on the low setting?
Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
What is the recommended cooking time on the high setting?
Cook on high for 5-6 hours.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of beer should I use?
Use 1 1/2 cups of Guinness stout or another dark beer.
Is the meat seared before slow cooking?
Yes, sear the lamb shanks in vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
What are the suggested side dishes for this lamb?
It is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
How many onions are needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 finely chopped onions.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used in this stew?
It includes 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and one bay leaf.
How much flour is used for coating the lamb?
You will need 1/4 cup of flour.
What seasonings are added to the flour?
The flour is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Does the recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is mustard an ingredient in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of mustard.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of undiluted beef broth.
What is the purpose of the leftover flour?
The reserved flour is cooked with the onions and garlic to help thicken the sauce.
How long should you sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for approximately 5-6 minutes until softened.
How do you prepare the pan after adding the liquids?
Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and combine all the flavors.
What should the texture of the lamb be when finished?
The lamb shanks should be tender and fall off the bone.
What category of dish is this?
This dish is categorized as a stew.
How much vegetable oil is needed for browning?
You will need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What cuisine does this dish represent?
It is a taste of Ireland, categorized under Irish cuisine.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty meal.
Do I need to trim the lamb shanks?
Yes, the recipe specifies bone-in, trimmed lamb shanks.
Can I use a different type of beer besides Guinness?
Yes, you can use other dark beers as a substitute.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Lightly coat the lamb shanks in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper.
How is the sauce served?
The rich sauce is spooned over the top of the lamb shanks.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, but the recipe makes 6 servings.