What To Serve With Lamb Shanks ( 20+ Tasty Ideas You’ll Love )

There’s nothing quite like the taste of lamb shanks. The meat is so tender that it falls off the bone, and the flavor is rich and savory.

But what to serve with lamb shanks? What side dishes will complement the dish without overpowering its delicate flavor?

Look:

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been testing out different side dishes to see what goes best with lamb shanks.

I’ve tried everything from Herb Salads to creamy mashed potatoes and finally narrowed it down to my ten delicious side dishes.

So without further ado, here are my top three picks for what to serve with lamb shanks.

What To Serve With Lamb Shanks

1. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
2. Green Salad
3. Glazed Baby Carrots
4. Couscous Salad
5. Green Beans And Mushrooms
6. Rice Pilaf
7. Fried Biscuits
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
9. Shaved Broccoli Stalk Salad With Soft Feta And Golden Raisins
10. Lemony Green Bean Salad With Feta, Marjoram, And Red Onion

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Roasted fingerling potatoes are a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. This potato dish is easy to make and can be served with roasted lamb shanks, grilled chicken, or baked fish.

The benefits of roasted fingerling potatoes include their ability to add flavor and texture to a recipe. These potatoes are also a good source of nutrients, such as potassium and fiber.

When choosing a recipe to pair with roasted fingerling potatoes, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. For example, if the recipe includes strong flavors, such as garlic or rosemary, the potatoes should be seasoned accordingly.

Green Salad

A green salad is a great side dish for lamb shanks. It can be used as a way to add more vegetables to your diet or as a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the lamb. The salad also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help to boost your immune system.

The most important thing to remember when pairing a green salad with lamb shanks is to choose a dressing that is light and not too heavy. A balsamic vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette are both good choices.

You may also want to add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs to the salad for extra flavor.

Glazed Baby Carrots

Glazed baby carrots are a classic side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. When paired with lamb shanks, they help to balance out the richness of the meat and provide a pop of color to the plate.

Baby carrots are also a good source of vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal. To make glazed baby carrots, simply simmer carrots in water until tender, then coat them in a mixture of butter and sugar.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice to the glaze.

Couscous Salad

There are many reasons to love couscous salad as a side dish for lamb shanks. First, it is an easy dish to make and can be easily customized to your taste. Second, couscous salad is a healthy option that is low in fat and calories but high in fiber and nutrients.

Third, the salad can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Finally, couscous salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including lamb shanks, chicken breasts, or fish.

Green Beans And Mushrooms

Green beans and mushrooms make an excellent side dish for lamb shanks. The reason being is that the mushrooms will add a hearty meaty texture to the dish, while the green beans provide a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender lamb.

This side dish is also relatively simple to prepare and can be cooked in advance if need be. Additionally, it is relatively versatile and can be paired with a variety of different main courses.

For example, if you are looking for something a little lighter, you could pair it with grilled chicken or fish. On the other hand, if you are looking for something heartier, you could pair it with roasted beef or pork.

Rice Pilaf

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish to pair with lamb shanks, rice pilaf is an excellent option. Not only does it complement the rich flavors of the meat, but it also helps to absorb some of the excess fat.

Additionally, rice pilaf is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. For example, if you want to add a bit of color to your plate, you can stir in some chopped vegetables or dried fruit.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you can add small pieces of cooked chicken or sausage.

Fried Biscuits

There are many cases in which fried biscuits make a great side dish for lamb shanks. For one, fried biscuits are very versatile and can be paired with a variety of different recipes.

Additionally, fried biscuits are relatively healthy, as they are low in fat and calories. Moreover, fried biscuits help to absorb the flavors of the dish they are paired with, making them an even more delicious addition to any meal.

Finally, when compared with other side dishes, fried biscuits tend to be less expensive and easier to prepare.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

When most people think of garlic mashed potatoes, they think of them as a side dish for beef. But did you know that garlic mashed potatoes are also an excellent side dish for lamb shanks?

The reason is that the garlic helps to offset the richness of the lamb, while the potatoes provide a creamy contrast to the succulent meat. Additionally, the herbs in the mashed potatoes add another layer of flavor to the dish.

And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can always substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.

Shaved Broccoli Stalk Salad With Soft Feta And Golden Raisins

This shaved broccoli stalk salad is a perfect side dish for lamb shanks. The sweetness of the golden raisins pairs perfectly with the savory lamb, while the feta adds a creamy element that ties the dish together.

The salad is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for those looking to get their five a day. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, so you can have it on the table in no time.

Lemony Green Bean Salad With Feta, Marjoram, And Red Onion

If you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious option to pair with your lamb shanks, look no further than lemony green bean salad with feta, marjoram, and red onion.

The acidity of the lemon pairs perfectly with the richness of the lamb, while the feta adds a creamy depth of flavor.

The green beans and red onion provide a crunchy counterpoint to the tender meat, and the marjoram brings a touch of earthiness to the dish.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Lamb Shanks

What are some other options when choosing what to serve with lamb shanks?

1. Wilted Escarole With Feta, Honey, And Walnuts
2. Herb Salad With Feta And Chickpeas
3. Radish And Pecan Grain Salad
4. Roasted Radishes With Almond Salsa Verde
5. Pan-Braised Radishes And Greens
6. Radish Salad With Anchovy Sauce
7. Sweet Potatoes Roasted In Coconut Oil
8. Instant Pot Buttermilk And Leek Mashed Potatoes
9. Scalloped Potatoes With Caramelized Onions
10. Potatoes A La Lyonnaise
11. Roasted Potatoes With Za’atar And Aleppo Pepper
12. Garlicky Roasted Potato Salad
13. Radish, Burrata, And Snap Pea Salad With Lemon And Chives
14. Creamy Pea, Watercress, And Mint Soup
15. Pea Salad With Parmesan And Mint

What are some tips when choosing what to serve with lamb shanks?

There are some key things to keep in mind when choosing what to serve with lamb shanks.

First, think about what flavors you want to bring out in the dish. Do you want something rich and savory? Or are you looking for something light and refreshing?

Second, consider what textures you want in your dish. Do you want something crunchy? Creamy? Or both?

Finally, think about what you want your dish to say about you. Do you want something easy and approachable? Or are you looking for something more sophisticated and unique?

After you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the perfect side dish for your lamb shanks.

Conclusion

When it comes to what to serve with lamb shanks, the possibilities are endless.

You can go with classic options like mashed potatoes or rice, or get a little more creative with salads or side dishes that showcase unique flavors and textures.

No matter what you choose, make sure that it pairs well with the lamb’s rich and savory flavor profile.

With a little bit of thought and planning, you can create a truly memorable meal that your guests will love.

And who knows? You might just find your new favorite way to enjoy lamb shanks!