Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook lamb shoulder, then look no further. Butterflied lamb shoulder cooked in a slow cooker is a fantastic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious flavors of your chosen spices and herbs.
Why choose lamb shoulder?
Lamb shoulder is a great cut of meat for slow cooking because it has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during the long cooking process, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful meat. When butterflied, the lamb shoulder cooks more evenly and quickly, making it the perfect choice for a slow cooker recipe.
Preparation is key
Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your lamb shoulder. Start by removing any excess fat from the meat and then butterfly the shoulder by making a horizontal cut along the bone and opening it up like a book. This allows the meat to lay flat in the slow cooker, ensuring even cooking.
Flavor it up
Now it’s time to add flavor to your lamb shoulder. Create a delicious marinade using a combination of your favorite herbs and spices. Popular choices include rosemary, thyme, garlic, paprika, and cumin. Rub the marinade all over the lamb, making sure to cover every inch of the meat.
Prepare the Butterflied Lamb Shoulder
To begin, you will need a butterflied lamb shoulder. This means that the bone has been removed and the meat is opened up, allowing for more even cooking and easier seasoning.
If you don’t have a pre-butterflied lamb shoulder, you can ask your butcher to butterfly it for you, or you can do it yourself. To butterfly the lamb shoulder, start by placing it fat-side down on a clean cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, make a shallow incision along the length of the lamb shoulder, about 1 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Continue to cut along the length of the lamb, unrolling it as you go, until it is completely flat.
Once the lamb shoulder is butterflied, it’s time to season it. Generously rub a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary all over the lamb, making sure to get the seasoning into any crevices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
Next, you can add any additional flavors or ingredients to the lamb shoulder. For example, you might want to add some lemon zest for a citrusy kick, or some chopped onions and carrots for added sweetness. You can also drizzle the lamb with a bit of olive oil to help keep it moist.
Once the lamb shoulder is seasoned and any additional ingredients have been added, you can place it in your slow cooker. Make sure it is placed fat-side up so that the fat can render and keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Now that the lamb shoulder is prepared and ready to cook, you can move on to the next step in the recipe.
Trim Excess Fat
Before cooking your butterflied lamb shoulder in the slow cooker, it’s essential to trim any excess fat from the meat. While some fat can add flavor, too much fat can make the dish greasy and heavy. Trimming the fat will also help the seasonings penetrate the meat better.
To trim the excess fat, place the lamb shoulder on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any visible fat from the surface of the meat. Take care not to remove too much of the fat, as some is needed for flavor and moisture.
Tips for trimming fat:
- Start with a sharp knife to make the process easier and more precise.
- Cut against the grain of the meat to help remove the fat more easily.
- Trim the fat in thin, even layers rather than removing chunks at once.
Once you have trimmed the excess fat from the lamb shoulder, you can continue with the cooking process. The trimmed meat will be more flavorful and healthier, making for a delicious and satisfying dish.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Butterflied lamb shoulder | Trim excess fat from the lamb shoulder. |
| Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, herbs, and spices) | Season the lamb shoulder with desired seasonings. |
| Vegetables (such as onions, carrots, and potatoes) | Place vegetables in the slow cooker. |
| Broth or liquid (such as chicken or beef broth, wine, or water) | Pour broth or liquid into the slow cooker. |
| Place the seasoned and trimmed lamb shoulder on top of the vegetables and liquid. | |
| Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. | |
| Once cooked, remove the lamb shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. |
Season with Spices
Before cooking your butterflied lamb shoulder in the slow cooker, it’s important to season it with a delicious blend of spices that will enhance the flavor of the meat. Here’s a simple yet flavorful spice rub you can use:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all the spices listed above. Mix well to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Take the butterflied lamb shoulder and lay it flat on a clean work surface. Sprinkle the spice rub all over the meat, making sure to coat both sides. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Step 3: Once the lamb shoulder is well coated with the spice rub, place it in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help seal in the flavors and keep the spices from drying out.
Step 4: Let the seasoned lamb shoulder marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat and infuse it with their aromatic flavors.
Note: If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and proceed directly to cooking the lamb shoulder in the slow cooker. However, marinating will give you the best results in terms of flavor.
With the lamb shoulder properly seasoned, you’re now ready to cook it in the slow cooker. The spices will create an irresistible aroma as the meat slow cooks, making for a mouthwatering and tender dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Marinate Overnight
To enhance the flavor of your butterflied lamb shoulder, it is recommended to marinate it overnight. Marinating allows the meat to soak up the flavors and tenderize, resulting in a more delicious and succulent dish.
Here is a simple and flavorful marinade recipe to try:
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | olive oil |
| 4 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | lemon juice |
| 2 teaspoons | dried rosemary |
| 2 teaspoons | dried thyme |
| 1 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon | black pepper |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the butterflied lamb shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb shoulder, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Massage the marinade into the lamb shoulder, making sure it is well distributed.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the lamb shoulder marinate overnight.
Marinating overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with an amazing taste. When you are ready to cook, remove the lamb shoulder from the marinade and proceed with your chosen slow cooker recipe. Enjoy the tender and flavorful result of your marinated butterflied lamb shoulder!
Cook the Butterflied Lamb Shoulder in Slow Cooker
Slow cooker is a great tool for cooking butterflied lamb shoulder as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook butterflied lamb shoulder in a slow cooker:
Ingredients
- 1 butterflied lamb shoulder
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of chicken broth or red wine
Instructions
- Season the butterflied lamb shoulder with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shoulder and sear it on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the lamb shoulder to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth or red wine to the skillet and stir well to scrape up any browned bits. Bring it to a boil.
- Pour the broth or wine mixture over the lamb shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lamb shoulder is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the lamb shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Shred the lamb shoulder using two forks.
- Serve the butterflied lamb shoulder hot, topped with the juices from the slow cooker.
With the help of your slow cooker, you can easily cook a delicious and tender butterflied lamb shoulder. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or for anytime you want to enjoy a flavorful and succulent lamb dish.
Sear on High Heat
Before slow cooking the butterflied lamb shoulder, it is important to sear it on high heat to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor. Searing the meat creates a beautiful caramelized crust that adds depth to the overall dish.
Here’s how to sear the lamb shoulder:
- Remove the lamb shoulder from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over high heat.
- Add a drizzle of cooking oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
- Gently place the butterflied lamb shoulder in the pan, fat-side down, and let it sizzle for 3-4 minutes or until it develops a golden brown crust.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the lamb shoulder and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the seared lamb shoulder from the pan and transfer it to the slow cooker.
By searing the lamb shoulder before slow cooking, you not only enhance the flavor but also ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
Add Vegetables and Liquid
Once the lamb has been browned on all sides, it’s time to add the vegetables and liquid to the slow cooker. This will not only provide flavor to the dish, but also help keep the lamb moist and tender during the cooking process.
Start by cutting up a variety of vegetables to accompany the lamb. You can use carrots, onions, garlic, and potatoes for a classic combination, or get creative with your choices. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that they will cook evenly.
Next, pour in a liquid of your choice to further enhance the flavors of the dish. You can use stock, broth, wine, or a combination of these. The liquid should come up about halfway up the side of the lamb shoulder. This will help create a moist cooking environment and prevent the lamb from drying out.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding herbs and spices to the liquid. Rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic cloves are all great options.
Once you have added the vegetables and liquid, give everything a good stir to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. Secure the lid of the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. This long, slow cooking will result in a tender and flavorful butterflied lamb shoulder.
Questions and answers
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
How do I butterfly a lamb shoulder?
To butterfly a lamb shoulder, you need to remove the bone and open up the meat. First, lay the lamb shoulder flat on a cutting board. With the bone side facing up, use a sharp knife to cut along the bone, making an incision about halfway through the thickest part of the meat. Then, make a horizontal cut on one side of the bone, following its shape. Continue cutting until the bone is fully exposed. Finally, remove the bone and use your knife to open up the meat, creating a butterfly shape.
Why should I cook lamb shoulder in a slow cooker?
Cooking lamb shoulder in a slow cooker allows the meat to become tender and juicy. The low cooking temperature and long cooking time break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the butterflied lamb shoulder?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the slow cooker with the lamb shoulder. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions work well in slow cooker recipes. Simply chop the vegetables into chunks and place them in the slow cooker with the lamb shoulder. They will cook alongside the meat and absorb its delicious flavors.
How long should I cook butterflied lamb shoulder in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for butterflied lamb shoulder in a slow cooker depends on the size of the meat and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook a butterflied lamb shoulder on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The meat should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork when it is done.
