Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder

Introduction

If you crave tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb bursting with aromatic herbs and succulent flavors—but dread a day spent by the oven—this Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder is your answer. The pressure cooker effortlessly transforms even the toughest cuts into a feast-worthy centerpiece in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect showstopper for family dinners, festive holidays, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Why Make Lamb Shoulder in the Instant Pot?

Classic lamb shoulder roast demands patience and careful temperature monitoring. With the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, you can achieve the same depth of flavor and irresistibly juicy texture in under two hours—no pre-heating, basting, or oven babysitting required. The sealed environment locks in moisture and infuses the meat with herbs, spices, and aromatics, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Key Tools & Tips for Easy Prep

Prepping lamb and vegetables can be streamlined using the right equipment. A sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 gives you ample space for safe chopping, while the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes dicing onions, carrots, and celery quick and uniform. For even cooking, sear the lamb directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function—no extra pans needed.

Always check the internal temperature of your lamb shoulder for food safety and optimal doneness; a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking ensures accuracy.

Flavor Profile and Customization

This lamb shoulder recipe highlights the classic Mediterranean alliance of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon. A splash of red wine and beef broth forms a rich, silky jus you’ll want to mop up with crusty bread. You can customize the seasonings—add cumin and coriander for warmth, or toss in harissa for a North African touch. Root vegetables such as carrots and baby potatoes cook alongside the meat, benefiting from the savory, aromatic juices.

Serving Suggestions for Lamb Shoulder

Once your lamb is tender, let it rest before slicing or shredding. Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables or over creamy mashed potatoes. Use the reserved cooking liquid as a flavorful sauce. To store leftovers or meal prep, portion into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating. A fresh, tangy salad on the side balances the richness of the lamb perfectly.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 6 hearty servings. Each portion, including vegetables and sauce, generally contains 400–450 calories, 26g protein, and plenty of iron and healthy fats. Lamb is a nutrient-dense meat, perfect as the centerpiece for a balanced meal.

Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder (Recap)

With luscious, fork-tender bites infused with herbs and wine, this Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder is the ultimate main dish when you want big flavor with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Pat the lamb shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode and add 2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Sear the lamb on all sides until golden brown, about 10 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then cook the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 4 minutes). Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for efficient prepping.
4. Deglaze the pot with the red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and squeeze in lemon juice. Nestle the seared lamb shoulder (and optional potatoes) into the liquid.
5. Seal the lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 85–90 minutes (for 3 lb) or 100 minutes (for 4 lb). Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Carefully transfer the lamb to a cutting board. Tent with foil and rest 10–15 minutes before slicing or shredding. Strain and simmer the cooking liquid to reduce it for a richer sauce, if desired.
7. Check the internal temperature with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking; it should register at least 195°F for shreddable tenderness.
8. Serve lamb with vegetables and spoon over the aromatic sauce.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes–1 hour 40 minutes

Total Time: About 2 hours (including pressure build and release)<|/assistant