The aroma of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with its savory sweetness. Imagine tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich, sticky sauce, their deep flavors melding together like old friends over a cup of tea.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering. The anticipation builds as you prepare to dive into this culinary delight that promises to transport you straight to flavor town.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights
- The rich, umami flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more
- Visually appealing with its glossy finish, it will steal the spotlight on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served alongside rice, noodles, or even in tacos for a fun twist
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Lamb Shanks: Look for meaty shanks that are well-marbled for maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Fresh Ginger: Use a piece about the size of your thumb; it adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic delivers that irresistible aroma and flavor we all love.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
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Brown Sugar: This sweet component balances out the savory notes beautifully.
For the Sauce:
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Rice Vinegar: A splash of this adds brightness and acidity to enhance all the flavors.
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Cornstarch: Just a tablespoon will help thicken that luscious sauce for coating every bite perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic and ginger finely. It’s great if you can get some zen vibes while prepping—think of this as culinary yoga.
Step 2: Brown the Lamb
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown each lamb shank on all sides until they are gloriously golden. This step adds depth to the flavor profile that you just can’t skip. Let them cool slightly before transferring them into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Feel free to channel your inner scientist—this is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Pour It On
Pour that heavenly mixture over the browned lamb shanks in your slow cooker. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated because we want maximum flavor penetration here!
Step 5: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about eight hours (or high for four hours if you’re short on time). Walk away; maybe take up knitting or finally tackle that pile of laundry.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once done, carefully remove the lamb from the slow cooker—it may fall apart! Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce from the pot for an irresistible finishing touch.
And there you have it—your very own Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb! Serve this comforting dish over fluffy rice or alongside steamed veggies for an unforgettable dinner experience.
With just a bit of patience and love (and perhaps some karaoke while waiting), you’ll be rewarded with tender lamb bursting with flavors that will make everyone ask for seconds! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb is not only a flavor explosion but also a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- With minimal prep, you can enjoy succulent lamb infused with sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the lamb in a hot pan to lock in those delicious juices. While that’s happening, chop your veggies and whip up the teriyaki sauce. Once the lamb is beautifully browned, toss it into the slow cooker with everything else and let it work its magic.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the lamb for beef or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also add a dash of sriracha for some heat or toss in pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender lamb, don’t rush the searing process; let it get nice and brown
- Ensure you slice against the grain for maximum tenderness when serving
- Don’t skip on the fresh herbs; they elevate flavors significantly
I remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They claimed I should start a food truck dedicated solely to this dish, which was quite flattering.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb?
To create a delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with lamb shoulder or leg, which is ideal for slow cooking. You’ll also require soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar for the teriyaki marinade. Additionally, include sesame oil and green onions as garnishes. For serving, consider steamed rice or vegetables to complement the rich flavors of this dish. With these ingredients, you can enjoy a tender and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb?
Cooking Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the lamb to become tender and absorb the teriyaki flavors fully. It’s essential to check for doneness; the meat should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s ready. This slow cooking method ensures that every bite is juicy and packed with flavor.
Can I make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it convenient for meal prep or hosting gatherings, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish without last-minute cooking.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb?
For an enjoyable meal, pair your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb with sides that balance its rich flavors. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the sauce beautifully. You can also add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Another option is a fresh salad with sesame dressing to provide a refreshing contrast. These accompaniments will enhance your dining experience.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb:
In summary, making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb is an effortless way to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can have a tender lamb dish brimming with teriyaki flavors ready for family dinners or special occasions. Remember to experiment with sides that complement this rich dish while enjoying leftovers that can be reheated easily. This recipe not only saves time but also guarantees delicious results every time you prepare it!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb is a mouthwatering dish that transforms tender lamb shanks into a savory delight, enveloped in a rich, sweet, and tangy teriyaki sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lamb shanks (about 2 lbs)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Finely chop the garlic and ginger.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lamb shanks on all sides until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb from the slow cooker and serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank (200g)
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg