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Instant Pot Lamb Shanks - an easy method for braising lamb shanks in a delicious tomato based sauce.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Perfectly cooked tender lamb shanks made easily in the pressure cooker with an amazing rich, tomato based sauce. The perfect meal for a romantic evening!
Prep Time8 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time8 minutes
Course: Lifestyle
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 to 4 Servings
Calories: 863kcal
Author: Julia

Ingredients

  • 2 to 4 lamb shanks
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 medium-sized yellow onion diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried cumin
  • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or molasses
  • ½ cup dry red wine optional

Instructions

  • Remove the lamb shanks from their packaging and sprinkle liberally with sea salt.
    Lamb shanks on a plate sprinkled with salt
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat and add just enough avocado oil to coat the surface. Once the skillet is very hot, place the lamb shanks on the surface and sear for 5 to 8 minutes. Flip, and sear on the other side for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until both sides are golden-brown.
    Sear the lamb shanks in a cast iron skillet
  • While the lamb shanks are searing, prepare the sauce. Plug in your Instant Pot and press the Sauté button and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, then add the onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
    Onion cooking in an instant pot
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, pure maple syrup, and red wine. Stir well and allow this mixture to come to a full (but controlled boil).
    Ingredients for the sauce in a pressure cooker
  • Transfer the seared lamb shanks to the Instant Pot and stir everything around until the shanks are well-covered in sauce.
    Lamb shanks in a pressure cooker covered in sauce
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and select the Manual or Pressure Cook button. Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes, then naturally release for at least 25 minutes (ideally 50 minutes to 1 hour) before using the quick release to release the remaining steam. Serve the lamb shanks with your favorite sides, and enjoy! 
    Instant Pot Lamb Shanks are a quick, easy, goof-proof method for cooking lamb
  • I recommend serving these lamb shanks with my Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower or my Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Shank | Calories: 863kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 129g | Fat: 31g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g