Tiffany Haney
Lamb shoulder is a cheaper, juicier, and more flavourful alternative to leg of lamb. It's also easier to cook, making it a great option for a foolproof, comforting, family-friendly meal. While lamb shoulder is best suited for slow cooking methods like stewing or braising, it can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker, yielding tender meat that can be shredded and served in sandwiches or with a variety of sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lamb cut | Shoulder or leg |
| Lamb weight | 1.9 kg / 3.8 lb or 4-5 lb |
| Crockpot type | Standard size round or oval-shaped |
| Cooking time | 4-6 hours on high or 6-12 hours on low |
| Temperature | 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) |
| Ingredients | Olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, mint, onion, garlic, stock, water, wine, butter, flour |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for lamb shoulder or leg in a crock pot can vary depending on the weight of the meat, the specific model of crock pot, and your desired level of doneness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook lamb shoulder or leg to perfection in your crock pot:
Cooking Time:
When cooking lamb shoulder or leg in a crock pot, the cooking time can range from 4 to 12 hours, depending on various factors. Here are some key considerations:
- Weight of the Meat: The weight of the lamb shoulder or leg will impact the cooking time. For example, a larger cut of meat, such as a 4-5 lb (1.8-2.2 kg) bone-in lamb shoulder, will typically require a longer cooking time than a smaller cut.
- Crock Pot Model: Different crock pots may cook at different speeds and temperatures, so it's essential to refer to your crock pot's instructions or user manual for specific guidelines.
- Desired Level of Doneness: The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For fall-apart tender lamb, low and slow cooking is recommended. This can range from 6 to 12 hours on a low setting, depending on the weight of the meat and your crock pot's cooking temperature. For a faster cook, you can opt for a higher temperature for 4 to 6 hours, but this may result in a less tender texture.
Cooking Temperature:
The ideal cooking temperature for lamb shoulder or leg in a crock pot is generally considered to be a low and slow setting. Here are some key points:
- Low and Slow: Cooking lamb shoulder or leg at a low temperature for an extended period, typically 6 to 12 hours, is recommended for achieving tender, fall-apart meat. This low and slow approach takes advantage of the crock pot's ability to slowly break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.
- High-Temperature Option: While less common, you can cook lamb shoulder or leg on a high setting in your crock pot. This will reduce the cooking time to approximately 4 to 6 hours. However, it is important to note that cooking lamb at a higher temperature for a shorter period may yield a less tender texture.
- Oven Crisping: Some recipes suggest finishing the crock pot-cooked lamb in the oven at a higher temperature (around 220°C or 425°F) to achieve a crispy exterior. This step is optional but can add a desirable caramelised texture to the lamb.
In summary, the cooking time and temperature for lamb shoulder or leg in a crock pot depend on various factors, including the weight of the meat, the crock pot model, and your desired level of doneness. For best results, refer to your crock pot's instructions and remember that low and slow cooking typically yields the most tender and juicy lamb.
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Preparing the lamb
Once you have your ingredients, it's time to season the lamb. Combine your chosen spices and herbs with olive oil to create a rub. Generously apply this rub all over the lamb shoulder or leg, massaging it into the meat. If desired, you can also season the inside of the lamb for extra flavour.
Place the seasoned lamb in the refrigerator and let it marinate for up to 24 hours. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour of the meat. If you decide to marinate the lamb, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
When you're ready to cook, prepare your crock pot by adding the recommended amount of liquid, such as stock or water, to the base. You can also add ingredients like onions, garlic, and potatoes to cook alongside the lamb, infusing even more flavour into the dish.
Now, it's time to add the lamb to the crock pot. Place the lamb on top of the vegetables or directly into the liquid, ensuring that it is fully submerged or covered with aluminium foil. If your lamb has a fat cap, position it so that the fat cap is facing upwards. This will allow the juices to melt and flow through the meat as it cooks.
With the lamb in the crock pot, you're almost ready to begin cooking. Simply cover the crock pot with its lid, set the temperature, and let the slow cooking process work its magic!
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Preparing the crock pot
Next, prepare the lamb by combining the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and mint in a small bowl to create a rub. Generously apply the rub to the outside of the lamb, massaging it into the meat. If desired, you can also rub the spices inside the lamb for extra flavour.
Now it's time to assemble the crock pot. Place the onion at the bottom of the pot, followed by the lamb. If using garlic cloves, add them on top of the lamb. You can also add liquid ingredients such as stock, water, or wine to the pot.
Before turning on the crock pot, ensure the lid is secure. Depending on your preference, you can cook the lamb on a high setting for 4 hours or a low setting for 6-12 hours. The longer, slower cooking time will result in more tender meat that falls off the bone.
While the lamb is cooking, you can prepare any side dishes or garnishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. You can also make a gravy using the juices from the crock pot, creating a rich and flavourful sauce to accompany your meal.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder or leg is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Sides
If you're looking for side dishes to accompany your lamb, consider roasted vegetables such as eggplant (aubergine), capsicum (bell pepper), zucchini (courgette), red onion, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, broccoli, or potatoes. You can also serve it with a fresh Greek salad or a simple green salad with greens like broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) and peas. For something more festive, try pomegranate and quinoa, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with bacon, or wrapped asparagus with goat cheese.
Carbs
Slow-cooked lamb also goes well with various carbohydrates. You can serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, couscous, pasta, or steamed rice. Garlic bread and soft dinner rolls are also great for soaking up the gravy.
Sandwiches
The tender lamb can be shredded and served as a sandwich filling. Try it in a pulled lamb sandwich on a buttery brioche bun with peppery arugula, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Main Course
If you want to make the lamb the star of the show, you can serve it as a main course with a side of gravy and fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary. You can also use the lamb in Greek Slow-roasted Lamb Shoulder Tacos, Leftover Mediterranean Lamb Pizza, wraps or pita with tzatziki, a warm grain salad, or tossed into a pasta dish.
Presentation
For a special presentation, a bone-in lamb leg can be a glorious centerpiece for a holiday dinner or a special Sunday supper. Don't forget to drizzle the lamb with its juices before serving!
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Making gravy
Once your lamb is cooked to perfection, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
Now, it's time to make the gravy! First, transfer the cooking liquid from the crockpot to a saucepan. If there is a lot of fat in the crockpot, skim it off before making the gravy. You can also strain the liquid to ensure a smooth gravy. Next, add butter and flour to make a roux or a rue. Cook the flour in the butter until it's slightly brown. Then, slowly whisk in the liquid from the crockpot to prevent lumps. If you want a thicker gravy, add more flour or cornstarch slurry. For a thinner consistency, simply add more liquid or beef stock.
You can also add wine, tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs to your gravy for extra flavour. If you prefer a smooth gravy, sweet rice flour can be used instead of regular flour. Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken slightly as it cools. Once it's ready, transfer it to a gravy jug and serve alongside your tender crockpot lamb. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking lamb shoulder/leg in a crock pot is a great way to make the meat tender and tasty. First, season the lamb with salt, pepper, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. You can also add garlic by making incisions in the lamb and stuffing them with garlic cloves. Then, place the lamb in the crock pot with onions, stock, and water (and wine, if you like). Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
It is recommended to cook the lamb on a low temperature setting for best results.
Depending on the size of the cut, cooking lamb shoulder/leg in a crock pot can take anywhere from 4 to 10-12 hours.
You can serve crock pot lamb shoulder/leg with mashed or roasted potatoes, gravy, and vegetables such as eggplant, capsicum, zucchini, or carrots. It also goes well with couscous, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Yes, you can cook boneless lamb shoulder/leg in a crock pot. The cooking time may be reduced by about 20 minutes compared to a bone-in cut.
