📍 Where this dish comes from: Connemara, County Galway
Discover the history of this region →
Discover the history of this region →
These Lamb Shanks in Irish Whiskey Sauce are a decadent and flavorful dish that showcases the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb. The lamb shanks are braised to perfection in a savory Irish whiskey sauce, making them tender, juicy, and packed with deep, comforting flavors. This keto-friendly dish is perfect for a special dinner, blending the essence of Ireland with low-carb ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480kcal
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the lamb shanks: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with whiskey: Pour the Irish whiskey into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Allow the whiskey to cook down for about 2 minutes.
- Add broth and tomato paste: Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Simmer and cook: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 2-2.5 hours, turning the lamb shanks occasionally, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the lamb shanks with a generous spoonful of the whiskey sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 480kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 32g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Health Benefits
- Braising the shanks low and slow breaks down the connective tissue without needing any flour to thicken the sauce.
- A cream-and-whiskey pan sauce keeps this dish high in fat, in line with keto macros.
Pairs Well With
- Keto Colcannon
- Irish Bacon and Cabbage Salad

