Braising Lamb

  • Place lamb (shoulder cuts, breasts, riblets, shanks, or stew cubes) in a small amount of heated oil in a heavy skillet.
  • Cook slowly over moderate heat until lamb is browned on all sides.
  • Remove excess pan drippings.
  • Season, if desired.
  • Add a small amount (1/4 to 1/3 cup) of liquid, such as water, vegetable juice, or soup.
  • Cover tightly and simmer lamb over low heat until fork tender.
  • A sauce or gravy can be made from the pan drippings, if desired.

Timetable for Braising Lamb

Lamb Cut Weight (pounds) Approximate Total
Cooking Time (hours)
Lamb Shoulder Chops (1" thick) Round Bone or Blade 1¾" lbs. 1 - 1¼
Lamb Riblets 3 lbs. 1½ - 2
Lamb Shanks 3 lbs. 1 - 1½
Lamb Stew Cubes (1" pieces) 1¼ lbs. 1¼ - 1½
Lamb Breast, Stuffed (bone-in) 2 - 3 lbs. 1½ - 2
Lamb Breast, Rolled 1½ - 2 lbs. 1½ - 2
Lamb Neck Slices (¾" thick) 1¾ lbs. 1 - 1½