What to Serve with Lamb Shanks (43 Sides & More)

Is it just me, or is lamb shank the best thing ever?

All that rich, tender meat, falling off the bone…

I could seriously eat it all day.

Read Also: Lamb Shank Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Lamb Shanks

What to Serve with Lamb Shanks

I mean, I get it—lamb shank isn’t anything new.

It’s been around since ancient times.

But recently, lamb shank has really been making a comeback.

It’s popping up on restaurant menus all over the world: from traditional Greek restaurants to modern fusion gastropubs in Brooklyn.

But if you’re like me and you’re not super into cooking (or hiring your own private chef), you might be wondering how to make your own lamb shank at home…

And more importantly, how to serve it with the perfect accompaniments.

Well, today I’ve got some good news for you!

In this article, we’re going to answer all of your burning questions about what to serve with lamb shank: from wines to side dishes and desserts (yes, seriously) to vegetables and more!

Stick around until the end of the article for some helpful tips on choosing a recipe.

11 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Lamb Shanks

Lamb Shanks

When you want to eat like a king, there’s nothing better than a lamb shank.

It’s the perfect choice for an elegant dinner party or a simple mid-week meal.

The best part?

You can get creative with your side dishes, so you’ll never be bored.

Here’s our list of the 11 best sides to serve with lamb shanks:

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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Roasted sweet potatoes are always a hit, and they pair perfectly with lamb shanks because their sweetness cuts through the natural gaminess of the meat.

Try them with this recipe for an easy yet satisfying side dish that will delight your taste buds!

2. Spinach Salad

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A spinach salad is an easy way to add some greens without too much fuss—plus it goes great with the savory flavors of gamey meat!

Try this one here: Apple Spinach Salad

3. Barley Risotto

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This is a great alternative to rice or pasta, as it’s packed with fiber and has a similar consistency to rice.

Plus, you get the added bonus of barley’s earthy flavor!

4. Smashed minted peas

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Smashed minted peas pair well with this meat because the strong taste of the lamb is complemented by the refreshing, minty flavor of the peas.

The dish also looks great as a garnish on top of or around the lamb shank, providing a splash of color in addition to flavor.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and one finely chopped onion.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.
  4. Add 750g (1 pound) frozen peas and ¼ cup water; cook for about 4 minutes or until the peas are tender.
  5. Mash with a potato masher until coarsely crushed; season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves.
  7. Remove from heat, cover to keep warm, then set aside.

5. Mashed potatoes

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Mashed potatoes are another excellent side dish.

See Also: What Sauce Goes With Mashed Potatoes?

They’re soft and creamy, which makes them an ideal complement to the light sauce that usually accompanies lamb shanks.

When preparing mashed potatoes, make sure you don’t over-mash them; you want them to be lumpy, or else they’ll be too watery.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

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Brussels sprouts seem to be everywhere these days, but they really are the perfect side dish for lamb shanks, since they are hearty enough to stand up to the strong flavors in this meat.

  1. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast at 425 degrees until tender and crispy on the outside.
  2. Sprinkle with garlic powder before serving for an extra kick.

7. Roasted carrots

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Roasted carrots are a scrumptious way to add some color and flavor to a plate of lamb shanks, and they’re incredibly easy to prepare.

  1. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Then peel and cut 2 pounds of carrots into 1-inch chunks and place them on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Sprinkle the carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated with oil.
  5. Roast the carrots for 35 minutes or until they become tender on the inside and slightly browned on the outside.

8. Vegetable soup

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Vegetable soup is another delicious option for a side dish.

It’s easy enough to whip up a batch of your favorite veggie soup, which can be served hot or cold.

If you have time, try making some homemade bread as well, which will complement the shank nicely and make for an extra-filling meal!

9. Sauteed mushrooms

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Sauteed mushrooms has a deep and rich flavor, one that will perfectly complement any lamb meal.

The sauteed mushrooms will give your guests an opportunity to enjoy a second, more subtle taste of shank-y goodness—plus they’ll be able to get a bite of meat without having to eat off of your fork!

10. Rice Pilaf

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Rice pilaf is a rice dish that is cooked in broth instead of water, which adds flavor and texture to the rice.

It also includes onions and other seasonings, such as garlic, parsley, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

Some recipes also include pine nuts or saffron. Rice pilaf is very easy to make; you just need about 45 minutes for cooking time and prep work.

A delicious way to prepare rice pilaf is to bake it in the oven instead of cooking it on the stovetop.

This will allow the flavors to really infuse the rice while baking it in the oven.

11. Creamed Spinach

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This delicious side dish is a simple classic that pairs perfectly with lamb.

It’s easy to make, too—just sautee some spinach in butter, then add heavy cream and nutmeg and cook until thickened.

If you want to get fancy, you can add garlic or shallots into your sautee for extra flavor.

12 Potato Sides to Serve with Lamb Shanks

Potato Sides to Serve with Lamb Shanks

These ten potato side dishes compliment lamb shanks beautifully, making your meal so satisfying that you’ll forget all about the time it took to prepare.

And with these 12 recipes, your long-awaited feast will be finally complete!

1. Hasselback Potatoes

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These look fancy as heck, but they’re not as complicated as they seem—you just slice the potato thinly without cutting all the way through, leaving it in one piece at the bottom of the slices.

And then you fill in between those slices with cheese, herbs, and oil—the best part is that even though it looks like you’ve done a ton of work, it’s actually super easy to throw together.

Check out this recipe for more details on how to make them!

2. Mashed Potatoes With Caramelized Onions

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Mashed potatoes is a popular dish that pairs well with lamb shanks because it blends well with the gravy from the shanks.

To add more flavor and aroma to your mashed potatoes, you can caramelize onions before adding them to the mix.

This will make your mashed potatoes taste better and have a stronger scent than if you just mix in raw onions.

You can also use this method for other types of potatoes as well, such as red or yellow.

3. Lemon Rosemary Potato Salad

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Lemon rosemary potato salad is a tangy twist on a classic side dish that will complement your meal perfectly.

This is a great option for those who prefer their potatoes cold or served as a salad.

4. Potato Skins

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Potato skins make an excellent side dish to serve with lamb shanks because they pair well with the savory texture of the meat.

Additionally, you can use leftovers from making your lamb shanks to top your potato skins for an extra-special dish!

5. Potato Soup

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Potato soup is one of the best sides for lamb shanks because it brings out their natural sweetness without competing with them for flavor dominance.

See Also: What to Serve with Potato Soup? 30 Best Side Dishes

The easiest way to make potato soup is to peel and chop three potatoes into cubes, boil them in three cups of water until soft (about 15 minutes), then add one can of cream-of-celery soup and half a cup of milk and blend until smooth.

That’s it!

You can add any number of spices if you want to change up the flavor profile—garlic powder or red pepper flakes work great.

6. Potato Gnocchi

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One of the best choices for a side dish is potato gnocchi.

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian pasta dish that’s made from potatoes, flour, and eggs.

It can be served with your choice of sauce—from pesto to marinara—and has a lovely texture that makes it the perfect complement to the richness of lamb shanks.

While gnocchi can be time-consuming to make at home, there are options at your local grocery store that are easy to prepare and delicious enough to impress your guests.

7. Baked Potato

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I know, it’s hard to beat a classic, right?

But you’ve got to admit—a nice big baked potato topped with some melted butter and fresh chives is one of the most perfect foods on earth.

The simplicity of this dish lets the flavor of the lamb take center stage, but you won’t be disappointed if you can’t wait to dig in!

8. Au Gratin Potatoes

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If you want something a little fancier than the classic baked potato side dish, you’ll want to try au gratin potatoes.

They’re like a baked potato on steroids: thinly-sliced layers of potatoes covered in creamy sauce and cheese, then baked until golden brown and bubbly.

9. Potato Casserole

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When I first started making this recipe, I was worried that it would be difficult—but I was so wrong.

The ingredient list is short and the instructions are super simple.

Even better, the end result is delicious.

You’ll definitely want to make this again and again.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Get your oven going at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Then, make your potatoes by placing a layer of potatoes in your baking dish and sprinkling them with dill and garlic powder.
  3. You can also add a bit of salt and pepper for flavor here.
  4. Repeat this process until all potatoes are used up in your baking dish—you should be left with several layers of potatoes with seasonings in between them.
  5. Next, pour melted butter over the prepared potatoes until they are thoroughly coated.
  6. Next, add enough chicken broth to cover all of the potatoes.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and cook for about an hour or until tender.
  8. Remove from the oven, and serve immediately!

10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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Mashed sweet potatoes are a perfect choice. Made with butter and brown sugar, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

To make this tasty side dish, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 sticks of butter (salted or unsalted—it’s up to you!)
  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup of water

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Add your cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot, cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Cook until they’re fork-tender (about 45 minutes). Then strain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt your butter on low heat. Once it’s melted, add in the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Then add in the potatoes and mix well. If your mixture is too thick, add just enough water to thin it out into a creamy consistency.
  3. Serve immediately!

11. Fondant Potatoes

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Fondant potatoes are roasted in butter and stock until they’re tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

This is a great option if you want a more decadent potato side dish for your lamb dinner!

Serve these alongside other roasted vegetables for a complete meal ready in under an hour.

12. Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes

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If you want a delicious potato dish that will take your meal to the next level, there is no better choice than roasted potatoes.

This is a simple dish that only requires 5 minutes of prep work and 45 minutes in the oven.

  1. Just cut up some potatoes (we recommend red or gold) into bite-sized chunks
  2. Toss them in with some olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
  3. Then roast them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 425°F.

You’ll be blown away by how crispy these potatoes come out—they’ll definitely be the highlight of your meal!

10 Desserts to Serve with Lamb Shanks

desserts

We’ve got the main course covered—what about the dessert?

Here are 10 desserts that go great with lamb shanks:

1. Carrot Cake

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Carrot cake is, in many ways, a dessert version of lamb shank—it’s a great recipe to try out when you’re feeling ambitious, the final product is always satisfying, and it’s a bold choice to bring to family get-togethers.

It’s also an excellent complement to lamb shanks because it can be made at least one day in advance.

Additionally, carrot cake has a unique color that pairs nicely with the rich brownish-red tones of the meat.

2. Apple Crisp

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Apple crisp is sweet, tart, simple to make, and super tasty!

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Wash the apples and cut them into slices about a quarter-inch thick (you don’t need to peel them). Put these in a baking dish that you’ve greased with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a small bowl until it forms clumps—don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the apples.
  4. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until browned on top. If you like your topping more crispy, you can bake it longer—just be sure to keep an eye on the apples so they don’t burn.

3. Chocolate Mousse Cake

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Chocolate mousse cake is the perfect sweet treat to accompany your savory lamb shanks.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. First, preheat your oven to 350*F and coat a 9″ cake pan in butter or baking spray.
  2. Next, combine 1 cup of flour and 3/4 cups of cocoa powder in a small mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of sugar.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of melted butter to the mixture and beat until it’s light and fluffy.
  5. Now pour in the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
  6. Pour this into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven when done, allow cooling completely on a rack, then spread a layer of chocolate mousse on top before serving.

Common mistakes:

A few common mistakes people make when they’re preparing this recipe are not allowing their cake to cool completely before adding the mousse topping or over mixing their batter.

This can lead to dense or flat cake instead of one with a nice crumb.

4. Tiramisu

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Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that roughly translates to “pick me up,” and it’s easy to see why!

By combining ladyfinger cookies dipped in coffee and rum with layers of mascarpone cream and cocoa powder, this dessert is perfect for anyone who loves a little bit of chaos in their lives. But don’t be intimidated: it’s easier to make than you think!

All you need is:

  • around 2 pounds of mascarpone cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • ¾ cup of white sugar
  • ¼ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (chilled)
  • 4 tablespoons dark rum
  • 32-36 ladyfinger cookies (in 3 or 4 packages)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Here’s how to put it all together:

  1. Whisk everything together until smooth.
  2. Layer cookies in a pan.
  3. Top with mascarpone mixture.
  4. Repeat!

5. Brownies

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If you’re the type of person who doesn’t believe a meal is complete without dessert, then this recipe is for you.

These brownies are the perfect end to a meal featuring lamb!

Here’s how you make them:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Melt 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate and ¾ cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  3. Add 2 cups of sugar and mix until combined.
  4. Then add 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup flour until combined.
  5. Spread the batter in a greased 9×13″ pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

You can avoid these common mistakes when making this brownie recipe:

  • Using sweetened chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate (sweetened chocolate contains sugar, so it’ll throw off the sugar measurements in the recipe).
  • Using butter instead of oil (the butter will make the brownies more cake-like).
  • Using too much flour (this will also make the brownies cake-like).

6. Apple Pie

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If you’re looking for a simple dessert to pair with your lamb shanks, then look no further than this delicious apple pie recipe.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. First, you take an apple and cut it in half, removing the core.
  2. Then fill the center with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Repeat this process with two more apples and place in a casserole dish.
  4. Then mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl until crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the apples.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.

For me, the biggest mistake people make when preparing this dessert is not slicing the apples thinly enough—if they’re too thick they won’t cook all the way through.

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies

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This dessert is one of our favorite things to make when we have friends over for dinner.

It’s simple, fun, and delicious!

Here’s how to make this dessert:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl mix together the softened butter and brown sugar until it smells like butter rum.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
  7. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.
  8. Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
  9. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from pan to serve.

And in case you’re a little intimidated by the idea of kneading dough, we’ve got some tips for you:

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Put your heart into it.

Then you’ll get to make these delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies!

8. Strawberry Shortcake

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Strawberry Shortcake is an American classic that pairs well with a lamb shank, especially if it’s a spicy dish.

The cool sweetness of the shortcake provides a nice contrast to the rich and slightly gamey flavor of the lamb.

The following recipe will show you how easy it is to make this side dish in just three simple steps:

  1. Cream together: 1 cup of shortening (butter may be substituted) 1 cup of sugar
  2. Add: 2 cups of flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
  3. Cream together again: 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 egg yolks
  4. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
  5. Once cooled, slice in half, and drop in fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

A few common mistakes people make when preparing this dessert are not mixing their ingredients thoroughly enough, or using too much whipped cream.

9. Banana Pudding

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Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert made with vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a rich, creamy custard.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 (5 oz.) box instant banana pudding mix
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz. whipped topping, divided in half
  • 3 bananas, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 1 box of vanilla wafers (about 50 cookies)

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together your pudding mix and milk according to package directions until the mixture is smooth.
  2. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
  3. In a trifle bowl or 9×13 inch pan, layer half of the cookies on the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the sliced bananas.
  4. Top with half of the pudding mixture.
  5. Repeat using the remaining cookies, bananas and pudding mixture.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Some common mistakes people make when making banana pudding are using too many cookies and not letting it chill long enough before serving.

While some people like to use more than one box of vanilla wafers for this recipe, it can be too much cookie and not enough banana flavor.

10. Baked Alaska

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Baked Alaska is a classic that tastes as good as it looks.

Here’s how to go about it:

  1. To make it, first preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Then, prepare the meringue: whip egg whites and sugar until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.
  3. Set aside.
  4. Bake the cake: combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter.
  5. Add milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
  6. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray and pour batter into the pan.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Assemble the cake: spread ice cream over the cake layer in an even layer and return to freezer for a few hours.
  9. When ready to serve, cover cake with meringue and broil for 5 minutes or until browned.
  10. Serve immediately!

Common mistakes when preparing this dessert include not whipping the egg whites long enough before adding them to the cake batter, not properly greasing your pan before baking the cake, and not assembling the ice cream layer on top of your cake before you put it in the freezer for several hours.

10 Wines to Serve with Lamb Shanks

Wines to Serve with Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks are a great meal to make on a cold night.

They’re hearty and filling, and they pair well with a variety of wine types.

We’ve created a list of the 10 best wines to serve with lamb shanks.

The list includes wines from all over the world, and prices range from $10 to $150 per bottle.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a classic red wine that goes well with almost everything, so it’s no surprise that it pairs perfectly with lamb shanks.

The dark fruit flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich flavor of lamb without overpowering it—and if you opt for a Cabernet Sauvignon from either France or California, you’ll get notes of espresso and chocolate that will further enhance your meal.

2. Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah

Syrah/shiraz is another great option. It’s often blended with other wines to make it more approachable, but we like its boldness when paired with your meaty shanks.

It has a peppery finish that stands up to the richness of the meat and complements its savory flavors.

3. Malbec

Malbec

Malbec is a rich, intense wine that goes well with lamb shanks, which are also rich and intense.

The flavors of the meat will be elevated by the taste of the wine, and you’ll likely start to salivate as you’re eating it.

Some people get overwhelmed by how well these two things go together, so make sure you’re in a comfortable place before you eat this meal!

4. Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a great choice for lamb because it’s spicy, just like the meat.

You won’t have to reach for additional spices or condiments because the meat and wine will be so flavorful on their own.

Feel free to kick back and relax while you enjoy this meal—you won’t have to do any extra work!

5. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

A classic pairing with lamb shanks is Pinot Noir.

Its fruity undertones help to brighten the rich flavors of the meat while still being able to stand up to them.

The wine’s delicate nature allows it to be overwhelmed by other bold flavors or ingredients, so choose your sides carefully as you’re planning this meal.

A simple side salad can be a great way to round out the plate without competing with the main attraction.

6. Sangiovese

Sangiovese

This ancient Italian grape varietal is often used in Chianti, which makes for an excellent pairing with shanks, if prepared correctly.

Chianti has bold tannins that lend themselves quite well to lamb’s hearty flavor profile.

Make sure you avoid Chiantis that are too acidic—you’ll want one that is mellow and smooth, like a good Sangiovese would be.

7. Tempranillo

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a smooth, fruity red from Spain that pairs perfectly with lamb.

With hints of cherry, plum, and vanilla on the nose, this wine helps to enhance the flavors of herbs like rosemary and thyme when served with roasted shanks.

8. Merlot

Merlot

Merlot is another great wine for your meal.

It’s full-bodied enough to stand up to a heavy meal like this one without overpowering it; at the same time, it has light tannins and decadent notes of chocolate and licorice that complement the richness of cooked lamb deliciously.

9. Grenache/Garnacha Noir

Grenache

Grenache (also known as garnacha) is a wine that pairs well with lamb shanks because of its high acidity.

This grape commonly grows in hot climates, so it produces a light-bodied wine with fruity flavors, often including red fruit, plum, and cherry.

10. Nebbiolo (Barolo or Barbaresco for more expensive options; Langhe Nebbiolo for less expensive options)

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo also has high acidity but is typically more tannic than Grenache, making it a bolder choice.

It’s often described as having notes of tar and roses. Barolo and Barbaresco are two types of Nebbiolo wines made in the Piedmont region of Italy, but those are more expensive options.

Langhe Nebbiolo wines tend to be less expensive, but still have a similar taste profile.

3 Reasons to Serve Side Dishes with Lamb Shanks

why Serve Side Dishes with Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks are a delicious dish that will impress your friends, family, and guests.

Not only is it a traditional food in many cultures, but it’s also the perfect spring or summer meal, or even a savory comfort food on a cold winter day.

However, though lamb shanks are delicious and exciting enough on their own, there are many side dishes that can be served with lamb shanks to add depth of flavor and texture to the meal.

Here are 3 reasons why you should serve side dishes with your lamb shanks.

1. Adding flavor

Lamb shanks tend to be very flavorful on their own, but they don’t always have enough flavor for those who like more spice or heat in their food.

Adding some sort of sauce (like mint) will add extra oomph without overpowering anything else on the plate.

Plus, if you want to keep things simple and just serve plain rice as a side dish then adding some flavor-enhancing ingredients like lemon juice or garlic salt will help give it more personality!

2. To Diversify Color and Texture

Lamb shanks usually fall into the brown/tan category of foods, so you may want to pair them with something colorful to add visual interest to your plate.

We love serving lamb shanks with roasted red beets because the color is so vibrant and pretty (and beet juice can even be used as a natural food dye).

If you don’t have access to fresh beets, though, most grocery stores sell canned beets—just open the can and serve!

3. To Add Vegetables and Nutrients

The lamb shank is a beautiful piece of meat, but it doesn’t offer all the nutrients you need for a balanced diet.

That’s why it’s essential to add vegetables, grains, and more with your lamb shanks.

Take the opportunity to try something new that pairs well with the savory, rich flavor of shanks, like a fresh salad or crunchy veggies.

With these in mind, you can begin your quest for side dishes by asking yourself what you would like to include more of at the table—and how you can do that without taking away from the beauty of your lamb dish.

Things to Consider When Side Dishes for Lamb Shanks

Things to Consider When Side Dishes for Lamb Shanks

When you’re preparing for a dinner party, it’s easy to get so excited about the main course that you forget about the sides.

Lamb shanks are a must-have for any budding host or hostess, and when you serve them up with just the right side dish, your guests will be begging for more.

Here are three things to consider when deciding what to pair with lamb shanks:

1. Start Small and Build Off of An Existing Flavor Profile

If you’re looking for a safe bet that is sure to compliment your lamb shanks, consider choosing a smaller side dish that builds on the flavor profile of the meat.

For example, if your lamb shanks have been marinated in sauce with a lot of garlic or onion in it, consider pairing them with a side dish that also uses garlic or onion as a main ingredient.

You’ll get a double-dose of garlic or onion and create an overall meal experience that is more cohesive and “of one mind” than ever before.

2. Consider the Flavor

As you’re starting to consider side dishes for your lamb shanks, one of the most important things you’ll want to think about is the flavor of the dish.

After all, you don’t want your side dishes to compete with or mimic the flavors of your main course—you want them to complement it!

Generally speaking, something like a bean or rice dish will go really well with lamb shanks, since it’s a pretty heavy meat.

But you don’t have to stop there—other kinds of grains will also work well. Think barley or couscous.

They both soak up flavor really nicely and allow you to experiment with new taste combinations.

3. Umami

Lamb has umami (the fifth taste) all on its own.

While you don’t need to overdo it, including other umami-rich foods can help round out and deepen the tasting experience for your guests.

Some great options include mushrooms, tomatoes, soy sauce, olives, aged cheeses and cured meats.

FAQ

What to Serve with Lamb Shanks in Red Wine?

Lamb shanks in red wine pair well with a potato gratin.

It’s a classic French dish that’s easy to make. Just toss some potatoes with butter, cheese, and herbs, then bake until golden brown.

What Vegetables to Serve with Lamb Shanks?

Lamb shanks are often served with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve them with a variety of vegetables.

Some vegetables that go particularly well with lamb shanks are:

  1. Carrots
  2. Potatoes
  3. Parsnips
  4. Onions
  5. Celery
  6. Broccoli
  7. Leeks
  8. Bell Peppers

What to serve with braised lamb shanks?

Braised lamb shanks are an excellent dish to serve with a rich side. While the shanks are cooking, you can prep a vegetable side that will complement the lamb.

For example, you could do a roasted root vegetable casserole or a simple salad.

What potatoes to serve with lamb shanks?

Potatoes like fingerling, Yukon gold, red bliss, or even sweet potatoes are all good choices for serving with lamb shanks.

These varieties will add a bit of sweetness to the dish and pair nicely with the spices in the shanks.

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Lamb Shanks

What to Serve with Lamb Shanks (43 Sides & More)

Lamb shanks are often served with side dishes, because they're usually too rich to be eaten without anything to cut through them.
One of our favorite lamb shank recipes calls for pairing them with celery root puree, which adds some bright, light notes that balance out the heavy richness of the meat itself.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Spinach Salad
  • Barley Risotto
  • Smashed minted peas
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
  • Roasted carrots
  • Vegetable soup
  • Sauteed mushrooms
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Creamed Spinach
  • Hasselback Potatoes
  • Mashed Potatoes With Caramelized Onions
  • Lemon Rosemary Potato Salad
  • Potato Skins
  • Potato Soup
  • Potato Gnocchi
  • Baked Potato
  • Au Gratin Potatoes
  • Potato Casserole
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Fondant Potatoes
  • Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes
  • Carrot Cake
  • Apple Crisp
  • Chocolate Mousse Cake
  • Tiramisu
  • Brownies
  • Apple Pie
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Strawberry Shortcake
  • Banana Pudding
  • Baked Alaska

Instructions
 

  • Pick a side dish from this list to serve alongside your meal.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Be ready to eat in no time!
Keyword What to Serve with Lamb Shanks
Benjamin Happy Muncher

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

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