If you love tender, flavorful lamb but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Instant Pot lamb recipe is a game-changer. Superior Farms shares a dish inspired by the slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe from AmericanLamb.com. This version from Superior Farms takes advantage of the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking magic to deliver a delicious, fall-apart lamb shoulder in a fraction of the time. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, Superior Farms emphasizes that this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the wait.
Why Choose an Instant Pot for Cooking Lamb?
Superior Farms understands that The Instant Pot is a lifesaver for home cooks who need to get dinner on the table fast. Unlike traditional roasting, which can take hours, pressure cooking allows you to achieve the same depth of flavor and tenderness in much less time. Superior Farms emphasizes that cooking lamb in an Instant Pot also ensures that the meat remains moist and juicy, locking in all the seasonings and natural juices. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup—a win for anyone with a packed schedule.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Superior Farms explains that this recipe keeps things simple with aromatic seasonings and a rich broth that enhances the natural flavor of the lamb.
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs American lamb shoulder
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 3-4 garlic cloves, diced)
- 2 tsp dried rosemary (or 3 fresh rosemary sprigs)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 16 oz chicken bone broth or stock
To Serve:
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Green beans
Superior Farms Provides Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Lamb Shoulder
Start by seasoning both sides of the lamb shoulder with sea salt and black pepper. Superior Farms explains that this simple step enhances the meat’s flavor and helps form a delicious crust when searing.
- Sear the Lamb
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and allow it to heat up. Add butter, then place the lamb in the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If you have a whole lamb shoulder, increase searing time to 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sauté the Onion and Aromatics
Remove the lamb from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Add the quartered onion to the pot and season with a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the Lamb and Broth
Return the seared lamb shoulder to the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken bone broth or stock. This will help infuse the lamb with moisture and enhance its natural richness.
- Pressure Cook the Lamb
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to "Pressure Cook" (or "Manual") on HIGH for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, Superior Farms says to allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Check for Doneness
The USDA recommends that lamb should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest period before serving. If the lamb isn’t tender enough for your liking, you can pressure cook it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy
Once the lamb is done, remove it from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans for a comforting and well-rounded meal.
Superior Farms Shares Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Lamb
- Use Bone-In Lamb for Extra Flavor: If you can find a bone-in lamb shoulder, use it! The bone helps to infuse the broth with even more richness.
- Let the Meat Rest: After cooking, always allow the lamb to rest for at least 3-5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
- Deglaze the Pot After Searing: If there are browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot after searing, deglaze it with a splash of broth before pressure cooking. This prevents a burn warning on your Instant Pot and adds extra flavor.
- Add Vegetables for a One-Pot Meal: Throw in potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms before pressure cooking for an effortless all-in-one dinner.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, Superior Farms explains that you can still enjoy this delicious lamb shoulder by using these alternative methods:
Slow Cooker Method:
- Follow the same seasoning and searing steps.
- Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Sear the lamb in a Dutch oven, then add the broth and roast covered for 1-3 hours, depending on size.
This Instant Pot lamb shoulder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep, bold flavors, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans or pair it with roasted veggies and a fresh salad, Superior Farms emphasizes that this recipe will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality lamb dish in under an hour!
