If you're looking to elevate a weeknight meal or make a special weekend feast, then this slow cooked lamb shoulder is the perfect recipe for you. With tender, succulent meat infused with spices, slowly roasted until it practically melts off the bone...trust me, this dish isn't just delicious—it's downright divine. Let's get cooking!
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder is a timeless favorite that transcends seasons and cultures. While it's a staple for special occasions like Easter or festive gatherings, its versatility ensures it's enjoyed year-round. Whether it's a cozy family dinner on a chilly winter evening or a celebratory summer barbecue, this dish knows no bounds in delighting taste buds worldwide.
This was inspired by my pan seared lamb loin chops, and pairs well with this creamy cucumber salad.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Tender delight: Slow-cooked for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Flavor burst: Spices blend for a rich, unforgettable taste.
- Easy elegance: Effortless prep, gourmet-worthy results.
🥘 Ingredients
The lamb shoulder provides succulent, flavorful meat, while the blend of spices adds depth and complexity to the dish. The onion and garlic contribute aromatic undertones, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Lamb shoulder, bone-in
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Ground paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Place onion and garlic in roasting dish.
Step 2: Add lamb shoulder on top of the onion and garlic.
Step 3: Rub lamb with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Cover dish tightly and roast for 5-6 hours, until meat is tender.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- For added depth of flavor, consider searing the lamb shoulder in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side before placing it in the roasting dish. This step enhances the caramelization and intensifies the richness of the dish.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shoulder: Replace cumin and paprika with Moroccan spices like cinnamon, ginger, and coriander.
- Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder: Swap cumin and paprika with dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
- Indian Spiced Lamb Shoulder: Sub cumin and paprika with garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder.
🍴 Equipment
- Roasting dish or Dutch oven
- Aluminum foil or tight-fitting lid
- Oven
- Oven mitts or kitchen towels
💭 Recipe FAQs
While bone-in lamb shoulder is preferred for its added flavor and tenderness, you can use boneless lamb shoulder as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary, so monitor the lamb closely for doneness.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps, but cook the lamb shoulder on low heat for 8-10 hours or until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can rub the lamb shoulder with spices and refrigerate it overnight before cooking. Alternatively, you can fully cook the dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving for a convenient and delicious meal.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze cooled lamb shoulder in airtight containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
🍷 Wine Pairing
Its bold and spicy notes would harmonize with the savory spices and tender meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
👩🏼🍳 Top Tips
- Low and slow cooking: Patience is key when making slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Cook at a low temperature (320°F/160°C) for 5-6 hours for tender results.
- Proper seasoning: Rub lamb generously with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for rich flavor. Ensure even distribution of spices.
- Keep it covered: Whether with a lid or aluminum foil, keep lamb covered during cooking to trap moisture and maintain tenderness. Avoid frequent peeking to retain consistent heat.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder
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Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Oven
- Oven mitts or kitchen towels
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 3.5 pound lamb shoulder bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 onion thickly sliced
- 1 bulb garlic cut in half horizontally
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320°F/160°C.
- Scatter the sliced onion and halved garlic bulb into the base of a dutch oven.
- Place the lamb shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
- Rub the lamb shoulder all over with olive oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the roasting dish tightly with either a lid or aluminum foil.
- Cook in the preheated oven for 5-6 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- To check for doneness, gently tug at the bones – if they can be pulled right out of the joint, the meat is done.
Video
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cooked lamb shoulder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled lamb shoulder in airtight containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
🌡️ Food safety
- Lamb - Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Meghan
If you are looking for an easy recipe and a flavorful way to enjoy lamb, then this recipe is the best!