You haven’t lived until you’ve tried slow cooker lamb shoulder bathed in lemon + rosemary
Course Main
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 8 hourshours
Total Time 8 hourshours15 minutesminutes
Servings 6generous portions
Equipment
slow cooker
skillet
Tongs or carving forks
Ingredients
13.5 to 4 lb bone-in lamb shoulder, trimmed
2tbspolive oil
2tspsea salt
1tspblack pepper
1tspdried oregano
1tspdried thyme
6garlic clovessmashed
1lemonzested and juiced
1tbspDijon mustard
1cupchicken broth
1small onionquartered
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Lamb (Optional)
If you want extra flavor, brown the lamb shoulder in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 3-4 minutes per side. It's not required, but it adds a nice crust. I skip it when I'm pressed for time—still delicious.
Step 2: Build Flavor in the Slow Cooker
Place the onion, garlic, and a few sprigs of rosemary at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the lamb on top.
In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the lamb.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender and practically falling off the bone.
Step 4: Serve with a Spoon (Almost)
Remove the lamb carefully. It will be super tender. Spoon some of the lemony broth over the top and garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or even some chopped for brightness.