Lamb shank lovers, get ready for a melt-in-your-mouth experience! This Greek Lamb Shank Recipe is a feast of rich Mediterranean flavors, slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs.
Each tender bite is infused with the essence of Greece—garlic, rosemary, cinnamon, and a splash of red wine. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a sophisticated meal, this dish will transport you straight to a traditional Greek taverna!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lamb Shank Recipe
- Authentic Greek Flavors: A perfect balance of earthy spices, citrusy brightness, and deep umami richness.
- Incredibly Tender Meat: Slow-cooked for hours until the meat falls off the bone.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: No fancy ingredients—just classic, hearty elements for a flavorful, homemade meal.
- Impress Your Guests: A show-stopping dish that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal hands-on effort.
Ingredients For Greek Lamb SHank
For the Lamb Shanks:
- 2 large lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Greek Lamb Shank
- Sear the Shanks: Browning them before slow-cooking locks in flavor.
- Use a Heavy-Duty Pot: A Dutch oven or slow cooker ensures even heat distribution.
- Don’t Skip the Wine: It enhances the depth of the sauce.
- Cook Low & Slow: A long, slow braise (3-4 hours) results in the most tender, flavorful meat.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the lamb to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps retain its juices.
How to Make Greek Lamb Shank?
1. Sear the Lamb Shanks
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper, then sear them on all sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, and rosemary, cooking for another minute.
3. Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and lemon zest.
4. Slow-Cook to Perfection
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the lamb shanks and discard the bay leaves. Plate the lamb over mashed potatoes, rice, or orzo, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and feta crumbles.
Final Thoughts – Try This Greek Classic Today!
This Greek Lamb Shank Recipe is the epitome of comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned home cook, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today, and bring a taste of Greece to your table! 🇬🇷
Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and start your Greek culinary adventure now!
Cuisine & Course
Cuisine: Greek | Course: Main Dish
This dish hails from the heart of Greek cuisine, where slow-cooking techniques bring out the best in simple yet robust ingredients. Served as a main course, it pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, orzo, or warm, crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Authentic Greek Lamb Shank Recipe – A Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Delight
This traditional Greek lamb shank recipe is a hearty, aromatic dish slow-braised in a medley of garlic, lemon, oregano, and tomatoes. Tender and fall-off-the-bone, the lamb is infused with Mediterranean flavors and pairs beautifully with orzo, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner or festive gathering.

Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper, then sear them on all sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, and rosemary, cooking for another minute.
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Pour in the red wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and lemon zest
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Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
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5. Serve & Enjoy
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 600g3000%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 50g100%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.