Cooking your Keto Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot results in meltingly tender and flavorful lamb that falls off the bone. Since this Instant Pot lamb shank method only takes about an hour, it’s a LOT faster than braising your lamb shanks in the traditional way. Dairy free, Squeaky Clean Keto, and Whole 30 friendly.
Full disclosure – I haven’t always been a fan of lamb. The gamey flavor was off-putting to me when I was younger. But I realized eventually, after eating some amazing lamb dishes at restaurants, that it wasn’t the lamb that was the problem – it was the way it was cooked and seasoned (or not) that was the issue!
While it’s true that lamb has a distinct flavor, when cooked correctly and seasoned in a way that enhances that unique lamb flavor – it’s a sublime and healthy protein that you should definitely give another chance!
Starting, of course, with these Keto Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot!
If you don’t have an Instant Pot (um, first of all, why not? They are a game changer!) don’t despair, you can braise these Keto Lamb Shanks for a few hours on the stovetop or in the oven in a heavy covered pan (a cast iron dutch oven like this one works great) or cook them in a slow cooker for 6 – 8 hours.
I went for a curry vibe in these keto lamb shanks, but it’s not overtly curry flavored – just rich and earthy, with a little spice from the garam masala. I garnished with cilantro and added some sliced mutton peppers, which are similar to a scotch bonnet and bring not only heat, but also a nice smokiness to the final product.
Totally optional, but if you like it hot too, I recommend trying a little sliced habanero, scotch bonnet, or other spicy chilis added to the sauce and the garnish to make these keto lamb shanks truly extra.
As you can see, I served these Keto Lamb Shanks on a bed of cauliflower puree, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to soak up all that amazing gravy! If you’re dairy free, go with my dairy free Garlic & Chive Cauliflower Mash, but if you’re not, then my famous Better Than Potatoes Cheesy Cauliflower Puree would be even more decadent and delicious.
A thicker and heartier option would be my Cheesy Keto Polenta, or if you prefer more texture in your keto side dishes, then some basic cauliflower rice or cooked spaghetti squash would also work well with this keto lamb shanks recipe.
If you’ve been on the fence about eating lamb, give it another chance with these keto lamb shanks, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
If lamb is out of season or not available where you live, you could replace it with beef short ribs, chuck roast, ox tails, or even chicken thighs and still get great results from this recipe! If using chicken thighs, I recommend reducing the cooking time to about 35 minutes, so they don’t turn to mush.
Keto Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Cooking your Keto Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot results in meltingly tender and flavorful lamb that falls off the bone. Since this Instant Pot lamb shank method only takes about an hour, it’s a LOT faster than braising your lamb shanks in the traditional way. Dairy free, Squeaky Clean Keto, and Whole 30 friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 lamb shanks, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated erythritol (omit for SCKC or Whole 30)
- 1/8th teaspoon xanthan gum (optional to thicken)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, to garnish
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chilis, to garnish
Instructions
- Combine the salt, pepper, onion flakes, coriander, paprika, cumin, and garam masala in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture all over the lamb shanks, reserving any extra spice mix.
- Turn your Instant Pot on and select the saute setting.
- Heat the oil in the pot and sear the lamb shanks for about 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
- Add the ginger, garlic, reserved spice mixture, and tomato paste, and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk and water to the pot and stir, to release any bits from the bottom.
- Place the lid on the pot and seal it, making sure the vent is closed.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual, High Pressure, 45 minutes.
- When finished, turn off the instant pot and let it cool down for 15 minutes. Then release any remaining steam or pressure using the quick release lever.
- Remove the meat carefully, and set the pot back to sauté.
- Whisk in the sweetener and xanthan gum if using, then simmer the liquid, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Carefully add the lamb shanks back into the gravy and turn to coat.
- Serve the lamb shanks on cauliflower puree or cauliflower rice, with the gravy poured over the top and garnished with fresh cilantro and chilis if desired.
Notes
If cooking on the stovetop, after adding the liquids, cover and simmer on low heat for 2 – 3 hours, or until tender. Or place the covered pan in the oven for 2 – 3 hours at 325 degrees.
If cooking in a slow cooker – after adding the liquids, cover and set to 6 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.
Approximate net carbs per serving = 4g.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Keto Main Dishes
- Method: Instant Pot
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank, 1/4 cup gravy
- Calories: 564
- Fat: 47g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
Keywords: lamb shanks, lamb, curry, keto, instant pot, dinner, whole 30, low carb, dairy free, squeaky clean keto, SCKC
Rosana says
Made this the other day and love it! The warm spices really made this a winner in my book. Thanks again!
★★★★★
aussiebushgirl says
I’m definitely going to give this recipe a go! Changing out the flavour is what’s really got me interested. Since I suffer from bloating after eating cruciferous veggies (particularly cauliflower), I will swap out the cauliflower mash with a celeriac version which, by the way, is out of this world delicious! Thanks for the inspiration. :)
★★★★★
Patrick says
Probably a good recipe but can’t focus on reading it as you have waaayyyy too many ads on your page. Instead of just plastering ads all over the place maybe you could have fewer ads in some strategic places so it’s actually possible to read the recipe. Just a suggestion, personally when I see a page with this many ads I close it instantly, but thought I would give you the feedback at least. :)
★
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks for the feedback, I’ll forward this to my ads manager.
Jessica says
I’m really excited to try this recipe! I’ll be cooking for 8. How much time would 8 shanks need in the Instant Pot?
Michelle says
I made 5 big shanks and cooked them for 75 mins, it was amazing! Will definitely make it again. Thank you!
★★★★★
Chelsea says
I just wanted to chime in and say these were the bomb diggity! I didn’t even make anything to soak up the sauce and we just slirped it up like soup. Highly recommend this recipe!
Summer says
The husband has been bugging me for lamb and my Instant Pot is currently only getting used for hard ‘boiled’ eggs and spaghetti squash, so this is perfect! One question though – canned coconut milk or carton? They have very different consistency.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Canned!
Salena Johnson says
Thank you for this recipe, first time cooking lamb shanks & will definitely not be my last, awesome flavour didn’t want it to end. I cooked mine in a the oven took about 2 1/2 hours was pretty quick to prep, & was perfect with cauliflower cheese ?
★★★★★
Tracy says
Wow this recipe is so flavour packed it is amazing – I took the slow cooker option & the whole family drooled. Thankyou so much for this recipe – we all love it
★★★★★
Deborah says
What a terrific flavor profile! I have grown very tired of the red wine based lamb shank recipes….not enough brightness to offset the richness of the lamb. This looks really lovely….some spice to bring lamb alive. And the finish with cilantro is perfect. Can’t wait to try this. Genius recipe.
★★★★★
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks so much Deborah, hope you enjoy it!