Authentic Vietnamese Lamb Shanks with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Authentic Vietnamese Lamb recipe — Vietnamese lamb shanks with sweet potatoes. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
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4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Vietnamese Lamb Shanks with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 pieces lamb shanks
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 sprigs fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Lamb Shanks

    Season lamb shanks with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a large pot and sear the shanks until browned on all sides.

    Searing adds depth of flavor to the dish.
  2. Add Aromatics

    Add minced ginger, garlic, and cinnamon sticks to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Don't skip this step; it enhances the overall aroma.
  3. Combine Other Ingredients

    Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water or broth. Bring to a simmer.

    Use homemade broth for a richer taste.
  4. Cook the Lamb

    Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours until lamb is tender.

    Check occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
  5. Add Sweet Potatoes

    Stir in sweet potatoes and lime juice. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

    Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar if desired.
  6. Serve

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or bread.

    Pair with jasmine rice for an authentic experience.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Marinate the lamb overnight for extra tenderness. Adjust seasoning to your taste before serving.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your vietnamese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice
🍽️Fresh spring rolls
🍽️Vietnamese iced coffee

About This Dish

Authentic Vietnamese Lamb Shanks with Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a beloved dish from Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its freshness, lightness, and balance. It's characterized by the generous use of fresh herbs, minimal use of oil, and emphasis on fresh ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories550kcal
Total Fat25gg
Sodium890mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber6gg
Total Sugars8gg
Protein36gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineVietnamese
CategoryDinner