These tips and tricks for the perfect lamb roast will ensure your dinner is always perfectly cooked, juicy and delicious. Plus we have great lamb roast recipes for you to follow!
No, you don’t have to brown lamb before slow cooking. The meat will still become moist and fall-off-the-bone tender. However, the slow cooker will never be hot enough to brown the meat, so if you decide to skip this step be aware that the finished dish may look paler than expected.
Slow cooker lamb recipes
If youre slow cooking with lamb this season, find lots of tasty lamb recipes below! From curried melt-in-your-mouth lamb shanks to Greek-style lamb shoulder slow-roasted in the oven, there are lots of ideas worth saving to your myfoodbook cookbooks.
Get the recipe: Sri Lankan Lamb Shank Curry
This recipe calls for the shanks to be browned before going in the slow cooker, but you can put them in raw if youre in a rush.
This Greek-inspired marinade is a gorgeous match for lamb. This lamb shoulder will feed the whole family and will likely leave you with leftovers for lunch.
Get the recipe: Korma Marinated Lamb Shoulder with Spinach Lentils
You wont believe the beautiful flavours that come from such a simple recipes! And those hearty lentils cooked in the roasting pan juices are just the cherry on top.
Can you put raw lamb in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can put raw lamb (and most other meats) straight into the slow cooker. This is usually done if you’re very short on time. However, you cant put frozen lamb into the slow cooker, it must be defrosted. Frozen meat can take too long to reach temperature in a slow cooker, which can be risky in terms of food safety.
If you have an extra 10 minutes, it’s often worth browning the meat before slow cooking it. Browning or searing the meat in a hot pan caramelises its surface, which can give the final dish a richer, deeper flavour and colour. The high temperatures also help to render the fat on the surface of your lamb.
To brown, pre-heat a pan on high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear each side of the meat for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. You only want to give colour to the outside, and the rest will cook in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooking Meat: To Brown or Not to Brown?
FAQ
What happens if you don’t brown meat before slow cooking?
Why sear lamb before slow cooking?
How do you keep lamb from drying out in a slow cooker?
Why is my lamb not tender in slow cooker?
Should you brown meat before slow cooking?
In conclusion, browning the meat before slow cooking is a matter of personal preference. It can add a deeper flavour and colour to your dish, but it is not necessary for the meat to cook through. It all depends on your recipe, taste and the type of meat you are using. The more you slow cook, the more you’ll understand what your preferences are.
Is slow cook Lamb good?
Slow cook lamb is a great way to get tender, delicious meat. No matter if you’re cooking lamb for a family meal or for an important dinner party, it’s always nice to have lamb that is both soft and tender.
Can you cook Lamb in a slow cooker?
When cooking lamb, it’s difficult to overcook the meat. You’ll know your lamb is ready when you can easily shredded with a fork and there should be no pink in the center. Slow cookers make this task even easier by minimizing dry patches on each piece if exposed during cooking time.
Can you cook frozen lamb in a slow cooker?
You can cook frozen leg of lamb in the slow cooker, just have to allow it to cook for 2 extra hours to defrost. So if you follow this recipe, but use frozen, instead of non-frozen meat, cook for 2-3 extra hours on low, until the inside reaches 145-150 F. Pick good quality meat, from a young grass-fed sheep, preferably under 1 year old.