Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry

This Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry is a luxurious Thai-inspired dish featuring fall-apart tender lamb slow-baked in a fragrant curry sauce infused with coconut milk, spices, and potatoes. Rich, mild, and deeply flavorful, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly tender lamb shanks braised in a rich, creamy Massaman curry sauce offer an irresistible combination of comfort and elegance. The aromatic blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender potatoes makes this a deeply satisfying dish. It’s a great option for weekend dinners or special occasions when you want something warm and indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.5 kg (3 lbs) lamb shanks (5 small, 4 medium, or 2–3 large)
• 114 g (4 oz) Massaman curry paste (1 can, Maesri recommended)
• 400 ml (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth
• 1 onion, halved and sliced into 1/3-inch (1 cm) thick slices
• 400 g (14 oz) small potatoes (halve if larger than 1 inch)
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick

For Garnish:

• Fresh red chili, finely sliced
• Fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Steamed jasmine rice

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic preferred), mix together curry paste, coconut milk, and chicken stock.
3. Add onion, potatoes, star anise, cinnamon stick, and lamb shanks. Turn shanks to coat evenly in the sauce.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and continue baking for another 1–1.5 hours (depending on shank size), turning lamb twice during cooking, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
6. Transfer lamb shanks to a plate. Skim excess fat off the top of the sauce and stir until reduced to a syrupy consistency.
7. Serve lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh chili slices and coriander.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 5 servings.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 680 kcal per serving

Variations

• Beef Option: Substitute lamb shanks with beef short ribs or beef shank.
• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for texture and richness.
• Vegetable Add-In: Toss in chunks of carrots or sweet potatoes with the regular potatoes.
• Stovetop Version: Simmer gently on low in a heavy Dutch oven, turning occasionally.
• Spice Boost: Stir in extra curry paste or a dash of chili flakes if you prefer more heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of lamb?

Yes, lamb shoulder or neck can also be used but may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

What if I can’t find Massaman curry paste?

You can substitute with a mild red curry paste, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Do I need to sear the lamb shanks first?

Not necessary for this recipe, as the long, slow bake gives plenty of flavor.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 5 hours. Reduce sauce afterward if needed.

What type of coconut milk is best?

Full-fat coconut milk adds the most richness. Avoid light coconut milk for best results.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Reheat gently.

What sides go well with this curry?

Steamed jasmine rice is ideal, but you can also serve it with roti or naan.

Is this dish spicy?

Massaman curry is generally mild, but you can adjust heat with additional chili.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Can I use canned potatoes?

Fresh potatoes are recommended for better texture, but canned can work in a pinch.

Conclusion

Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry is a comforting, richly spiced dish that brings Thai-inspired flavors to your table with ease. With its fall-off-the-bone meat, creamy coconut sauce, and tender potatoes, it’s a show-stopping yet simple dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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