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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Massaman Lamb Shanks

    Published: Jun 6, 2025 by Adrianne

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Lamb shank in large bowl with coconut rice and lime wedges.
    Lamb shank in large bowl with coconut rice and lime wedges.

    Slow Cooker Massaman Lamb Shanks are fall off the bone, melt in your mouth tender and delicious! Using a store bought curry paste with a couple of extras for oomph we need only 15 minutes of prep work. Perfect as a cozy dinner for cold nights this slow cooker massaman curry is packed with flavor!

    Cooked lamb shanks in white bowl with coconut rice.
    Massaman Lamb Shanks

    Recipes like the Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs, Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb Shoulder and the Slow Cooker Lamb Stew let us use a variety of cuts of the same protein. The Greek Lamb Shanks give us another flavor combination.

    The Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry is a version of this classic Thai dish which uses a different protein.

    Cooked lamb shanks in slow cooker with chili, lime wedges and coriander.
    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿค Recipe Highlights
    • ๐Ÿฅ— Ingredients
    • ๐Ÿ˜‰ Substitutions and Variations
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Slow Cooker Massaman Curry Lamb Shanks
    • ๐Ÿณ Instructions
    • ๐Ÿฝ Serving Suggestions
    • ๐Ÿ‘ How to Guide
    • ๐Ÿ’ก Tasty Tips
    • ๐Ÿค“ Frequently Asked Questions
    • ๐Ÿ˜ More Easy Dinner Recipes
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    ๐Ÿค Recipe Highlights

    I have summarised everything that you will come to know and love (LOVE โค) about the slow cooker massaman lamb curry recipe in the points below:

    • Set and forget: we need about 15 minutes to get everything ready to make the dish. From there we throw everything into the slow cooker and let things cook. We are 'hands free' for the majority of the recipe.
    • Comfort food: heading out to your local Thai restaurant is fun and guaranteed to please. The bill sometimes is not! Learning to make massaman lamb shanks in your slow cooker enables you to enjoy this fantastic recipe at home at half or less than the cost of eating out or ordering in ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘Œ.
    • Slow roasting: there is a reason why slow roasting and slow cooking of meats is so popular. This technique results in tender lamb shanks that a quick oven bake doesn't achieve. Thai curries are known for their depth of flavor and using the slow cooker to make them means we are onto a winner!

    ๐Ÿฅ— Ingredients

    The photo below is to show you everything you need to make the recipe. Please refer to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient measurements as well as detailed instructions.

    Ingredients to make massaman lamb shanks on marble background with text labels.

    As you can see the recipe calls for:

    • Salt and pepper: salt and black pepper to season the dish.
    • Brown sugar: to add a touch of sweetness to the curry.
    • Fish sauce: you will find this with the vinegars in the supermarket.
    • Cinnamon: 1 x cinnamon stick for its aromatic contribution. This will be with the herbs and spices in the supermarket.
    • Lime juice: I use bottled lime juice to keep things easy.
    • Star anise: this will also be found where the herbs and spices are.
    • Curry paste: this is store bought massaman curry paste. It is the key to creating a rich massaman curry sauce. The brand I use is called 'Ayam'. Another popular choice is maesri curry paste.
    • Chicken stock: this combines with the coconut milk to make the curry sauce.
    • Coconut milk: full fat is the best version to use. This will ensure that the coconut milk doesn't split as it cooks.
    • Onion: 1 medium to large onion, finely diced.
    • Potatoes: baby potatoes are recommended. This is because we only need to cut the larger ones in half and the smaller ones can be kept as is (whole).
    • Plain flour: we use this to thicken the massaman curry sauce.
    • Lamb shanks: you will see that I use 4 for the recipe. It will also work if you want to use 2 larger lamb shanks.

    ๐Ÿ˜‰ Substitutions and Variations

    Here are my sub ins and outs that you might be thinking about as you read the post and I will tell you if I think they will work or why they won't:

    • Stock or broth: in place of the chicken broth, you can use beef broth (beef stock) if you wish to.
    • Sugar: you can use white sugar in place of the brown sugar if you wish to. Or you can omit the sugar entirely if you want to.
    • Other proteins: you can make this recipe with beef if you want to (see the Beef Massaman Curry for reference on how to do that). Or use beef short ribs in place of the beef chuck for an alternative cut of meat.
    • Other cuts: or you can use diced lamb if you want to in place of the lamb shanks).
    • Serving suggestions: in place of the coconut rice you can use Jasmine rice if you wish too. You can also use peanuts in place of the cashews. Roasted and salted will taste the best!

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Slow Cooker Massaman Curry Lamb Shanks

    To make massaman lambs in the slow cooker we start by preparing the vegetables. Use a sharp knife and cutting board to slice the larger baby potatoes in half then peel and dice the onion.

    Step by step instructions to make massaman lamb shanks with text labels.
    Step by step instructions 1 to 4

    ๐Ÿณ Instructions

    • Prepare the potatoes (Photo 1)
    • Dice the onion (Photo 2)
    • Add the lamb shanks, flour, salt, pepper, curry paste (Photo 3)
    • Layer the potatoes (Photo 4)

    Add the raw lamb shanks to the slow cooker then sprinkle the flour, salt and pepper over the top. Dollop in the massaman curry paste and use a pair of tongs to toss the shanks. We want them to be coated in this mixture.

    Once this is done, use the tongs to remove the lamb shanks (temporarily) and place them into a bowl.

    Next layer the potatoes into the base of the slow cooker and sprinkle the diced onion across the top. You can see what this will look like in the photos below.

    Ingredients in the slow cooker to make massaman curry with text labels on top.
    Step by step instructions
    • Add the diced onion (Photo 5)
    • Place the lamb shanks on top (Photo 6)
    • Add the liquids and sugar (Photo 7)
    • Add the cinnamon and star anise (Photo 8)

    ๐Ÿฝ Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve the lamb shanks with coconut rice. It is an easy pairing reminiscent of Thai restaurants. The rice that you see in the photos throughout the post and video is my Microwave Coconut Rice. This will take less than 15 minutes to bring together and can be done in the final stages of the slow cooker cook period.

    Then all we need to do is garnish the dish. Sprinkle in some fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, red chilli, cashews and lime wedges.

    It is an easy combination and perfect way to take the dish to the serious yum stage ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘Œ.

    Cooked lamb shank with potatoes, curry sauce and rice in white bowl.

    ๐Ÿ‘ How to Guide

    How to Store

    Let the dish fully cool. Then portion into sealed airtight containers. Stack these in the fridge for 2-3 days. These leftovers need to be reheated before being consumed.

    How to Freeze

    Or follow the step above to portion the dish then place the portions into the freezer. Frozen portions of the curry can be kept for 3 months.

    How to Reheat

    For refrigerated leftovers, transfer them to a bowl and cover with cling wrap. Reheat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
    For frozen portions, let these defrost in the fridge during the day. Then reheat following the step above. Thawed portions of the dish will need an extra 1-2 minutes to heat through.

    ๐Ÿ’ก Tasty Tips

    Here are my top tips and tricks that I want to share with you so that you master the recipe from the get go:

    • Potatoes: as the baby potatoes are so small, we only need to slice the larger ones in half. Keep the smaller ones whole.
    • Cooking oil: you will see that I do grease the slow cooker insert. I like to do this to ensure that nothing sticks and that the insert will be easier to clean up!
    • Flour: I use the flour in the recipe to thicken the sauce. Another alternative is to create a slurry with corn starch (I do this in the Slow Cooker Curried Sausages recipe for reference).
    • Love slow cooking? Then you might like to try the Slow Cooker Pork Belly, Slow Cooker Cheese And Bacon Bread, Slow Cooker Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Slow Cooker French Onion Beef, Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks And Potatoes, or the Slow Cooker Chicken And Corn Soup.

    ๐Ÿค“ Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you cook Massaman lamb in a slow cooker?

    Place the lamb shanks into the slow cooker and coat in flour, salt, pepper and the curry paste. Then remove them. Next layer the potatoes, onion and lamb shanks. Pour in the liquids and aromatics, put the lid on and let the dish cook.

    How long does it take to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker?

    Cook the shanks for 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

    Does lamb need to be fully submerged in slow cooker?

    No. The shanks don't need to be fully submerged. There does however, need to be liquids poured into the base of the slow cooker which ensures that the lamb cooks through and also combines to make the curry sauce.

    ๐Ÿ˜ More Easy Dinner Recipes

    If you are looking for further inspiration for the main meal of the day, then I have plenty of ideas for you to explore! Try one or all of the following easy family recipes:

    • More slow cooker recipes: Slow Cooker Curried Sausages, Slow Cooker Savoury Mince, Slow Cooker Dahl, Slow Cooker Osso Bucco, Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese.
    • More lamb recipes: Greek Leg Of Lamb, Crumbed Lamb Cutlets, Lamb Fried Rice.
    • Other proteins: Sticky Pork Rashers, Pork Mince Fried Rice, Thai Minced Pork, Pork Mince Noodles.
    • Easy family meals: Savoury Mince Pasta, Tuna And Rice Casserole, Chicken And Rice Tray Bake, Baked Chicken Drumsticks And Rice.
    • Noodles and pasta: Chorizo Pasta Bake, Soy Sauce Noodles, Garlic Spaghetti, Chicken Yaki Udon.

    It is time to get our slow cooker massaman lamb shanks on my friend! You can also find all of my dinner recipes or slow cooker recipes in the one spot.

    Adrianne

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    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Lamb shanks in bowl with potatoes and coconut rice.

    Slow Cooker Massaman Lamb Shanks

    Slow Cooker Massaman Lamb Shanks are fall off the bone, melt in your mouth tender and delicious! Store bought curry paste, set and forget.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 481kcal
    Author: Adrianne
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 lamb shanks Note 1
    • 2 tablespoons plain flour Note 2
    • ยผ teaspoon salt
    • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
    • ยผ cup massman curry paste Note 3
    • 1 cup/250 ml chicken stock
    • 400 ml/14 oz coconut milk Note 4
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1-2 star anise

    To serve (optional)

    • coconut rice
    • red chilli
    • coriander
    • lime wedges
    • cashews

    Instructions

    • Slow Cooker Insert: spray the slow cooker insert with cooking oil. Then use tongs to place the lamb shanks into the base of the slow cooker. Sprinkle them with the plain flour, salt and pepper. Then add the massaman curry paste and toss the shanks until they are fully coated. Next take the tongs and remove the lamb shanks from the slow cooker and transfer them to a plate temporarily.
    • Combine: spray the slow cooker insert with cooking oil again. Then spread the potatoes across the base of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onion across the top then use the tongs to place the lamb shanks on top.
    • Sauce: next pour the chicken stock into the bowl, followed by the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice and brown sugar. Place the cinnamon stick into the centre of the bowl then add the star anise. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set the timer for 4 hours on high.
    • To serve: when the cook time is up, remove the slow cooker lid and use the tongs to remove the cinnamon stick and star anise. Portion the massaman lamb curry into bowls with coconut rice and garnish with coriander, red chilli, cashews and lime wedges.

    Video

    Notes

    • Note 1 - Lamb shanks: you can use 4 small lamb shanks or 2 larger ones. We don't want to layer these on top of each other in the slow cooker. Rather we want to nestle them across in one layer.ย 
    • Note 2 - Plain flour: we use this to thicken the curry sauce. I prefer using this than a cornstarch slurry for the recipe as it is added from the start. If you want to use a slurry, you can see how I do that in the Slow Cooker Curried Sausages recipe.
    • Note 3 - Massaman curry paste: this will be in the Asian foods section of the supermarket. The brand that I use for the recipe is call 'Ayam'.ย 
    • Note 2 - Coconut milk: full fat coconut milk is recommended. This is so that the milk doesn't split over the course of the cook time. The brand that I am using in the recipe is 'Ayam'.ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1097mg | Potassium: 759mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2338IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 7mg
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Thai
    Keyword slow cooker massaman lamb shanks
    Did you make this recipe? Share on Instagram!It makes my day when you make my recipes! Tag @sweetcaramelsunday

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea Smith says

      June 06, 2025 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      I am loving everything about this curry.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        June 08, 2025 at 12:15 am

        Thanks Andrea.

    2. Annie says

      June 10, 2025 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe with lots of flavors. Thanks

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        June 13, 2025 at 1:10 am

        You are welcome Annie ๐Ÿ˜‡.

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