What To Serve With Lamb Shanks? 15 Tasty Side Dishes

Lamb shanks are a tender and flavorful meat dish, often slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savory sauce.

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your lamb shank meal, complementing the flavors and textures of the main course.

In this post, we'll explore the 15 best side dishes that pair perfectly with lamb shanks.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with lamb shanks are mashed potatoes, jasmine rice, green beans, roasted vegetables, polenta, couscous, quinoa, cauliflower mash, risotto, ratatouille, garlic bread, and lentil salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with lamb shanks. Their smooth and buttery texture makes them the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the rich sauce from the lamb, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

2. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant and fluffy rice variety that makes for a delightful side dish with lamb shanks. The subtle aroma and slightly sticky texture of the rice help to absorb the flavors of the sauce, creating a perfect balance with the tender lamb.

3. Green Beans

Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with lamb shanks. Their vibrant color and crisp texture add a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory lamb, making for a well-rounded meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, are a delicious and healthy side dish for lamb shanks. The caramelization from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, complementing the savory flavors of the lamb.

5. Polenta

Creamy polenta is a wonderful alternative to mashed potatoes and adds a unique touch to your lamb shank meal. Its smooth texture and rich, corn flavor work well with the tender lamb and flavorful sauce.

6. Couscous

Light and fluffy couscous is a great side dish to serve with lamb shanks, particularly if you're looking for a lighter option. Couscous can be flavored with herbs, spices, or even dried fruit, adding an extra layer of taste to your meal.

7. Risotto

A creamy and luxurious risotto, such as mushroom or Parmesan risotto, can be an indulgent side dish that pairs well with lamb shanks. The rich flavors of the risotto complement the savory lamb, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.

8. Ratatouille

A traditional French vegetable dish, ratatouille is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with lamb shanks. The combination of tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers adds a touch of freshness to the meal and balances out the richness of the lamb.

9. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a simple and comforting side dish that's perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce from your lamb shanks. The warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic is a great addition to your meal and can be enjoyed alongside other side dishes.

10. Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that makes an excellent side dish for lamb shanks. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture complement the tender and flavorful lamb. You can season quinoa with herbs and spices, or mix in some sautéed vegetables to add extra flavor and texture to your meal.

11.Lentil Salad

A hearty and nutritious lentil salad, with ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, and a tangy dressing, adds a fresh and healthy element to your lamb shank dinner. The earthy flavors of the lentils complement the richness of the lamb, creating a balanced meal.

12. Roasted Potatoes

Herb roasted potatoes, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, are a delicious and flavorful side dish that complements lamb shanks. The crispy, golden potatoes offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender lamb.

13. Greek Salad

A fresh and tangy Greek salad, filled with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, can be a light and refreshing side dish for lamb shanks. The bright flavors of the salad help to cut through the richness of the lamb, providing a pleasant contrast.

14. Cauliflower Mash

A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is a creamy and delicious side dish that works well with lamb shanks. The smooth texture and mild flavor of the cauliflower mash make it an excellent accompaniment for the rich and savory lamb.

15. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus, with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, is a tasty and nutritious side dish that pairs wonderfully with lamb shanks. The slightly charred flavor of the asparagus adds a hint of smokiness to the meal, while its tender-crisp texture complements the lamb.

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