When I first tried Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks recipe, I was skeptical. I’ve always loved cooking, but lamb shanks felt like one of those intimidating cuts of meat-so fancy and so much room for failure. But Jamie made it look easy, even with just five simple ingredients. The result? Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks with a depth of flavor that was shockingly simple to achieve. This recipe showed me that sometimes the best meals don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few fresh, quality ingredients and the right cooking method can transform a dish.
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for making cooking accessible, and this lamb shanks recipe is no exception. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. Jamie doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or long marinating times. Instead, the ingredients shine on their own, creating something elegant and comforting. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights, but fancy enough for dinner guests.
Here’s how I like to think about it: the ingredients are minimal, but the love you put into the cooking process is what transforms it into something special. When you braise lamb shanks, the slow cooking allows them to release all their juices and flavors. The meat becomes incredibly tender and takes on all the goodness of the ingredients. It’s essentially a celebration of the lamb itself.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe calls for just five simple ingredients, but you’d be surprised how much depth each one adds. Here’s what you need:
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Lamb Shanks
The star of the dish. Look for well-marbled lamb shanks to ensure a tender texture after slow cooking. It’s a hearty cut that can be intimidating, but once cooked low and slow, it becomes something magical.
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Garlic
Fresh garlic cloves are a must here. It infuses the lamb with a sweet, aromatic depth that cuts through the richness of the meat.
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Rosemary
You need fresh rosemary to get that earthy, fragrant herb flavor. It pairs perfectly with lamb, complementing its natural flavors without overpowering them.
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Red Wine
This ingredient isn’t just for flavor-it’s the base for the braising liquid. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the lamb, while adding depth and complexity.
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Tomatoes (Canned Or Fresh)
Fresh tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and acidity that ties everything together. The tomatoes cook down, melding with the wine and herbs, creating a perfect sauce to soak into the lamb.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks
I remember the first time I made this recipe. I was in a rush but really wanted something hearty. Jamie’s recipe fit the bill perfectly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prepare The Lamb
Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is all you need to start building the flavor.
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Brown The Meat
Heat some olive oil in a large pan. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides. This step adds a rich, deep flavor that will enhance the final dish. Don’t rush this part-it’s worth the time.
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Add Garlic And Rosemary
Once the lamb is browned, add minced garlic and a couple of sprigs of rosemary to the pan. Cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Pour In The Red Wine And Tomatoes
Next, pour in a generous amount of red wine and add your tomatoes (either canned or fresh). Stir to combine everything. The wine will help deglaze the pan, lifting all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
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Braise Low And Slow
Cover the pan and let the lamb shanks simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours. The long, slow braise will melt the meat off the bone and create an irresistible sauce.
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Serve
Once the lamb shanks are tender and falling apart, serve them with the sauce from the pan. I like to pair them with mashed potatoes or a simple salad to balance the richness.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down how each ingredient works its magic:
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Lamb Shanks
The shank is a tougher cut, which means it’s perfect for slow braising. The long cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, transforming the meat into something impossibly tender.
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Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that add both aromatic and savory flavors. When it cooks, it transforms into something sweeter and softer, creating a layer of complexity in the dish.
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Rosemary
This herb contains oils that are rich in antioxidants. It has a slightly piney flavor, which complements the richness of the lamb. Rosemary also has compounds that aid in digestion, making it a nice balance for a hearty dish like lamb shanks.
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Red Wine
Wine is a natural tenderizer. The acidity helps break down proteins in the lamb, while the tannins extract flavors from the meat. Red wine also adds complexity to the sauce, deepening the flavors as it reduces.
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with umami-rich compounds. The acidity in the tomatoes balances the richness of the lamb and the wine, creating a harmonious dish.
Expert Tips
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Don’t Skip Browning The Lamb
This step adds so much flavor! Browning the meat develops a deep caramelization that infuses the entire dish.
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Use A Good Red Wine
The wine makes up a significant portion of the braising liquid. Use a wine you enjoy drinking. A bold red like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon works well here.
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Let It Rest
After braising, let the lamb shanks rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness.
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Simmer Gently
Keep the heat low and slow. The slow braising process is what makes the lamb so tender, so don’t rush it!
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Adjust To Taste
If you want a slightly thicker sauce, let it reduce further. If you want a more intense flavor, add more rosemary or garlic to taste.
Recipe Variations
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Spicy Kick
Add a bit of chili or red pepper flakes for some heat. This adds a whole new dimension to the dish, balancing the richness with spice.
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Vegetable Add-ins
You could throw in carrots, onions, or celery for extra flavor. These will soften as they braise, creating a more complex base for the sauce.
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No Wine? No Problem
If you don’t drink wine or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with broth or a mixture of water and vinegar. The acidity from vinegar mimics the wine’s effect, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Final Words
There’s something so satisfying about this dish. It’s simple, yet sophisticated. Even though there are only five ingredients, the way they come together makes it feel like a multi-layered, high-end dish. For a long time, I thought great cooking meant complicated recipes. Jamie’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks showed me that simplicity is the key to unlocking amazing flavors.
FAQs
What Are The Five Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks?
The five ingredients are lamb shanks, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and a bottle of red wine.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks?
It takes around 2 hours to slow-cook the lamb shanks until they are tender.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Lamb Shanks In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook them in a slow cooker for about 6-8 hours on low for extra tenderness.