How To Make Lamb Shank In Pressure Cooker

Lamb shank is a classic dish that is known for its rich, tender meat and flavorful sauce. While this dish traditionally takes hours to cook, you can cut down the cooking time significantly by using a pressure cooker. With the help of a pressure cooker, you can enjoy tender and succulent lamb shank in just a fraction of the time.

Pressure cookers work by creating a high-pressure environment that helps to quickly tenderize meat and infuse it with flavor. The pressurized steam cooks the lamb shank evenly and efficiently, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone texture and intense flavors.

To make lamb shank in a pressure cooker, start by searing the lamb shanks on all sides to develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to lock in the juices. Next, sauté some onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to create a fragrant base for the sauce. Add in some herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to elevate the flavors.

Once the base is ready, return the seared lamb shanks to the pressure cooker and pour in some broth or red wine. The liquid will help to impart moisture and enhance the taste of the lamb. Seal the pressure cooker and cook the lamb shanks on high pressure for about an hour or until they become fork-tender.

After the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. The lamb shanks should be perfectly cooked and infused with all the flavors from the aromatic vegetables and spices. Serve the lamb shanks with the flavorful sauce, alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, for a comforting and satisfying meal.

So, if you want to enjoy a delicious and tender lamb shank without spending hours in the kitchen, try making it in a pressure cooker. The intense flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture will leave you craving for more!

Preparing Lamb Shank

Before you begin cooking lamb shank in a pressure cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Season the lamb shank

Start by generously seasoning the lamb shank with salt and black pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.

2. Sear the lamb shank

In a hot pressure cooker, heat some oil and sear the lamb shank on all sides until browned. This will help to lock in the juices and create a nice crust on the exterior of the meat.

3. Add aromatics and liquid

Once the lamb shank is seared, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, garlic, and any other aromatic vegetables or herbs you prefer. Sauté them until fragrant and slightly softened. Then, pour in some liquid such as beef broth, red wine, or a combination of both.

NOTE: The amount of liquid you add will depend on the instructions of your pressure cooker, so be sure to check the manual for the correct measurement.

At this point, you’re ready to place the lamb shank back into the pressure cooker and lock the lid in place. Now you can proceed with cooking the lamb shank under pressure according to your pressure cooker’s guidelines.

Choosing the Right Lamb Shank

When it comes to making a delicious lamb shank in a pressure cooker, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The ideal lamb shank for this recipe should have a good meat-to-bone ratio, as well as a nice marbling of fat throughout the meat. This will ensure that the shank is tender and flavorful after cooking.

When selecting your lamb shank, look for shanks that are a deep red color, indicating that the meat is fresh. Avoid shanks that have a pale or gray tint, as this could be a sign of older or lower quality meat. Additionally, the shank should be well-trimmed, with excess fat removed.

It’s also important to consider the size of the lamb shank. For a pressure cooker recipe, it’s best to choose shanks that are on the smaller side, around 1 to 1.5 pounds each. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly in the pressure cooker.

Finally, if possible, try to source lamb from a reputable and sustainable farm. This will ensure that the meat is of high quality and produced in an ethical manner. Look for labels like “grass-fed” or “pasture-raised” when purchasing your lamb shank.

By taking the time to choose the right lamb shank, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating a delicious and tender lamb shank dish in your pressure cooker.

Seasoning the Lamb Shank

Before cooking the lamb shank in the pressure cooker, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavor. Follow these steps to season the lamb shank:

1. Clean the Lamb Shank

Start by rinsing the lamb shank under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the lamb shank dry with paper towels.

2. Create a Flavorful Rub

In a small bowl, combine your favorite herbs and spices to create a flavorful rub for the lamb shank. Some popular options include:

Garlic powder: adds a strong, savory flavor
Paprika: adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste
Rosemary: adds a woody and aromatic taste
Thyme: adds a subtle herbal flavor
Salt and pepper: enhances the overall taste

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to suit your personal preferences.

3. Massage the Rub into the Lamb Shank

Use your hands to massage the flavorful rub into the lamb shank, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. This will ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat.

4. Let the Lamb Shank Rest

Place the seasoned lamb shank on a plate or in a shallow dish. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and further infuse into the meat.

Once the lamb shank has been properly seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked in the pressure cooker.

Searing the Lamb Shank

To achieve a delicious, caramelized crust on your lamb shank, it’s important to sear it before pressure cooking. This step adds depth of flavor and helps to lock in the juices.

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in your pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the lamb shank in the cooker. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until a rich golden brown color is achieved.

While the lamb shank is searing, season it generously with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

As you sear the lamb shank, you may notice some browned bits sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Don’t worry, these browned bits, known as fond, are full of flavor. They will add depth and complexity to your final dish.

Once seared, remove the lamb shank from the pressure cooker and set it aside on a plate. You can use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the lamb shank, making sure to leave any excess oil behind.

The seared lamb shank is now ready to be pressure cooked to perfection.

Cooking Lamb Shank in Pressure Cooker

Pressure cooking is a great way to prepare lamb shanks, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook lamb shank in a pressure cooker.

Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated.
Heat some oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides until they are nicely seared. This step helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavour.
Remove the lamb shanks from the pressure cooker and set them aside.
Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pressure cooker and sauté them until they are softened and lightly browned.
Return the lamb shanks to the pressure cooker and pour in enough broth or liquid (such as red wine or tomato sauce) to cover the shanks halfway.
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the lamb shanks for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
Remove the lamb shanks from the pressure cooker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Optionally, you can strain the cooking liquid and reduce it to create a delicious sauce to serve with the lamb shanks.
Serve the lamb shanks with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or creamy polenta.

Using a pressure cooker to cook lamb shanks saves time and ensures that the meat is tender and flavourful. Give this recipe a try for a delicious and satisfying meal.