If you’re wondering what to serve with your lamb shanks, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for lamb shanks.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with lamb shanks are buttermilk mashed potatoes, minted peas, sourdough pita bread, and tabbouleh. You can also serve couscous with pistachio and apricots, French green beans, or a lemon basil orzo salad. For a low-carb option, try ginger turmeric cauliflower rice.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Or if you’ve read enough and want to find out how to reheat your lamb, check out the experiment I did.
Starches
Starchy sides are an excellent accompaniment to your lamb shanks.
My go-to is a bed of luscious mashed potatoes that will soak up the juices from the fork-tender lamb, but you can also try your favorite rice dish.
Couscous is also a great starchy alternative for rice.
Buttermilk mashed potatoes
There are so many recipes for mashed potatoes, but this buttermilk version has to be my favorite.
The buttermilk makes the mash so rich and creamy, and the addition of some herb infused oil adds a zesty bite.
Prop your braised lamb shanks on a bed of these mashed potatoes for a warm, satisfying meal.
Why we love this recipe: you can’t go wrong with the classics.
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Creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes with variations
Make it low-carb
Mashed cauliflower
Make it Italian-style
Creamy polenta
Sourdough pita bread
Using a sourdough starter instead of yeast naturally leavens your pita, and gives it a distinct tangy flavor and a lighter texture.
This method will take more time than your usual recipe, but if you’re a keep baker it definitely worth a go.
And if you’re not, try this easy flatbread instead.
Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect for mopping up all the tasty sauce from the lamb.
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Sourdough pita bread
Make it quick
One-hour dinner rolls
Make it simple
Garlic bread
Couscous with pistachios and apricots
Add a delicious Moroccan twist to your lamb shanks meal with this couscous dish.
It has a sharp, tangy lemon juice and onion dressing that offsets the sweetness from the apricots. And the pistachios add some saltyness, giving you a well-balanced bite.
Psst… if you want some heat, add harissa.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a party for your taste buds.
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Couscous with pistachios and apricots
Make it different
Moroccan couscous with chickpeas and cranberries
Make it savory
Israeli couscous with tomato and olives
Tomato risotto
This recipe mixes tinned tomatoes and tomato puree with the stock and wine to create a base that’ll take your risotto to new heights.
They’re simple additions, but they add a swee-acidic twist that pairs superbly with your lamb shanks’ gamey flavors.
Don’t want to spend 30 minutes stirring your risotto? Kitchen Sanctuary also has instructions for making this in the oven!
Why we love this recipe: it’s restaurant-worthy.
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Tomato risotto
Make it spring-inspired
Parmesan risotto
Take a shortcut
Orzo risotto
Salads
Salads are a great side dish for your lamb shanks if you want to keep your meal light but filling.
I usually whip up a classic tabbouleh in the summer, and go with something warmer in the winter.
A crisp leafy salad also never fails if you want something quick and easy.
Lemon basil orzo salad
With a dish as boldly flavored as braised lamb shanks, it’s wise to skip the tomato and creamy pasta sauces and go with a light salad instead.
This orzo salad boasts a lemon basil dressing brimming with bright, citrusy flavors that will cut right through your rich lamb shanks.
Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal for potlucks or parties.
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Lemon basil orzo salad
Make it different
Bruschetta orzo pasta salad
Make it herby
Bow tie pesto pasta salad
Cucumber salad with yogurt and dill
Looking for a straightforward, no-frills dish to serve with your lamb shanks?
What about this cucumber salad?
It features crisp cucumber slices covered in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
This combination offers the perfect cooling bite to a hot and heavy lamb shank dinner.
Why we love this recipe: you only need 10 minutes to make it.
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Creamy cucumber salad
Make it dairy-free
Easy cucumber salad
Make it tangy
Quick pickled cucumber
Tabbouleh
Take some inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine by serving your lamb shanks with tabbouleh.
This classic dish is made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and tons of parsley and mint tossed with a lemon and olive oil dressing.
The refreshing, zesty flavor is an excellent contrast to some boldly-spiced lamb shanks.
Why we love this recipe: it will bring a nice pop of color to your plate.
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Tabbouleh
Swap the grain
Shirazi salad
Make it grain-free
Cauliflower tabbouleh
Maple and spice roasted winter vegetable salad
Salads aren’t just for summer.
The secret to this winter salad is to cook the squash and kale separately, so you’ll need two baking trays for this side.
Once everything is cooked, it’s tossed in a cozy dressing made with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. YUM!
Why we love this recipe: it’s healthy comfort food.
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Maple and spice roasted winter vegetable salad
Add a fruity note
Freekeh salad
Make it different
Warm balsamic kale salad
Creamy green salad
Think leafy green salads are boring? This salad may be the one to change your mind.
It’s made with the usual veg, but what makes this tasty is the luscious dressing made with 15% cream.
True to its name, this variety of cooking cream has less fat content but will still coat your veggies with finger-licking good creaminess.
Pssst… try adding chopped dates when pairing this with your lamb shanks.
Why we love this recipe: it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
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Creamy green salad
Go Greek
Classic lettuce salad (maroulosalata)
Make it trendy
Green goddess salad
Vegetables
Lamb shanks are relatively lean, but pairing them with veggie sides will make them even healthier.
Minted peas are almost always on the menu whenever we have lamb shanks. But why not whip up a classic ratatouille for a delicious French flair?
Minted peas
If you want a simple, easy-to-make side dish that will still wow your guests, these minted peas have your back.
Mint and lamb is a classic flavor combination – in fact, they’re scientifically proven to be a perfect match!
Psst… fresh peas will give you the best results, but frozen ones will work in a pinch.
Why we love this recipe: it transforms a humble ingredient into something delicious.
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Minted peas
Fire up the oven
Brown butter and garlic roasted peas
Make it crispy
Butter-fried green peas
Ginger turmeric cauliflower rice
This cauliflower rice is the perfect accompaniment for lamb shanks if you’re watching your carbs.
It’s soft and fluffy, just like rice, and it has a mild flavor that will soak up any herbs and spices you add.
This recipe uses garlic, ginger, and turmeric to give the dish a peppery, earthy feel.
Why we love this recipe: it only has 96 calories per serving.
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Ginger turmeric cauliflower rice
Make it indulgent
Creamy parmesan risotto with saffron
Skip the rice
Ricotta gnocchi
French green beans with butter and herbs
The main difference between French green beans and regular green beans is the shape.
French beans are longer and skinnier, giving them a more delicate feel.
Some say they have more flavor, but once the green beans are tossed in butter and a mix of different herbs like tarragon, chives and parsley you won’t be able to tell the difference!
Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal if you don’t have a lot of spare time.
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French green beans with butter and herbs
Make it indulgent
Green beans in creamy parmesan sauce
Fire up the oven
Garlic-roasted green beans with lemon
Roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
With fall in full swing, that means one thing.
It’s the best time to get the brussels sprouts out.
Roasting your veggies gives them delicious caramelized edges and a crisp-tender texture.
Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or you’ll create steam and end up with soggy sprouts.
Why we love this recipe: it will add a festive flair to your dinner.
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Roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
Keep it simple
Balsamic roasted brussels sprouts
Make it indulgent
Twice-baked sweet potatoes
Sauces
Lamb shanks are great on their own, but they’re even better when slathered with a delicious sauce.
Mint-based sauces are superb with lamb, but you can also go with more popular options like chimichurri and pesto.
Want heat? Try peri peri or harissa sauce.
Romesco sauce
Take a break from classic chimichurri and try pairing your lamb shanks with this vibrant Spanish sauce.
It has a bold, smokiness that won’t overpower your lamb but highlight its savory flavors.
Platings and Pairings uses jarred roasted red peppers, but I love roasting my own peppers – I think they taste a tad smokier than the jarred ones!
Why we love this recipe: you can make a big batch and freeze the excess.
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Romesco sauce
Go Italian
Sicilian pesto
Add heat
Peri peri sauce
Homemade mint sauce
This simple sauce is an excellent way to add minty goodness to your lamb shanks.
The key lies in steeping the fresh mint leaves in boiling water before making the sauce so don’t skip this step!
It’ll soften the mint leaves and help release their flavor and aroma, so you’ll get the most out of this vibrant sauce.
Why we love this recipe: it only requires five ingredients, salt and water included.
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Homemade mint sauce
Make it Italian-inspired
Mint pesto
Skip the mint
Chermoula sauce
The best side dishes to serve with lamb shanks
- Buttermilk mashed potatoes
- Sourdough pita bread
- Couscous with pistachios and apricots
- Tomato risotto
- Lemon basil orzo salad
- Cucumber salad with yogurt and dill
- Tabbouleh
- Maple and spice roasted winter vegetable salad
- Creamy green salad
- Minted peas
- Ginger turmeric cauliflower rice
- French green beans with butter and herbs
- Roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
- Romesco sauce
- Homemade mint sauce
What To Serve With Lamb Shanks (45 Ideas)
Ingredients
- 1 portion buttermilk mashed potatoes
- 1 portion minted peas
- 1 portion cucumber salad with yogurt and dill
- 1 portion mint sauce
- 1 portion green beans with butter and herbs
- 1 portion sourdough pita bread … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your lamb shanks according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: buttermilk mashed potatoes, sourdough pita bread, couscous with pistachios and apricots, tomato risotto, lemon basil orzo salad, cucumber salad with yogurt and dill, tabbouleh, maple and spice roasted winter vegetable salad, creamy green salad, minted peas, ginger turmeric cauliflower rice, french green beans with butter and herbs, roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, romesco sauce, homemade mint sauce
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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