If you're looking for a deeply flavorful, keto-friendly comfort food that will impress guests or elevate your weeknight dinner, look no further than these Braised Lamb Shanks. With only 2g net carbs per serving and a staggering 161.4g of protein, this dish is both nourishing and indulgent.
Lamb shanks are naturally rich in collagen and healthy fats, making them ideal for those following a ketogenic diet. When slow-braised, they become fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking in the rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, and savory broth.
Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1093
- Net Carbs: 2 g
- Total Fats: 44.2 g
- Protein: 161.4 g
According to the USDA FoodData Central, lamb is an excellent source of vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and iron. These nutrients support energy metabolism, immune health, and red blood cell production — vital benefits for those on a low-carb or carnivore diet.
Ingredients
- 4 grass-fed lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons butter (preferably grass-fed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6 rosemary sprigs
- 1 cup chicken broth (use bone broth for added nutrients)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450ºF (232ºC).
- Rub lamb shanks with butter, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes to sear and develop a golden crust.
- Remove from the oven, reduce the heat to 325ºF (163ºC).
- Scatter the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs around the lamb. Cover the roasting pan with foil or a tight-fitting lid.
- Return to oven and slow-roast for 2 hours, basting occasionally.
- After 2 hours, pour in the chicken broth. Raise the oven temperature to 400ºF (204ºC).
- Roast for an additional 15 minutes uncovered, until the broth reduces and the lamb becomes fall-apart tender.
- Remove and serve hot with the pan juices spooned over the meat.
Why Braised Lamb Shanks Are Perfect for Keto
Lamb is a great protein source that is naturally higher in fat than chicken or turkey. This makes it an excellent choice for keto, where fat is used as the body’s primary energy source.
Using bone broth instead of traditional chicken stock boosts collagen and gut-healing amino acids like glycine and proline. The long roasting time not only intensifies flavor but also maximizes nutrient bioavailability, particularly when served with the reduced, mineral-rich pan juices.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these lamb shanks with keto-friendly sides like mashed cauliflower, sautéed spinach, or zucchini noodles. You can also refrigerate leftovers and shred the lamb into salads or wraps for a high-protein meal on the go.
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