Greek Lamb Shank with Lemon and Oregano
Greek Lamb Shank with Lemon and Oregano is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring slow-braised lamb shanks cooked with bright lemon, aromatic oregano, garlic, and often tomatoes or white wine. It is a traditional Greek recipe, known for its tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and vibrant, herb-forward sauce. The dish is a staple in Greek home cooking and tavernas, especially during cooler months.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates, making it a hearty, satiating meal. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the lamb, along with vitamin C from the lemon and antioxidants from the herbs. A typical serving (one shank with sauce) contains approximately 550-700 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Zinc | 8.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.8 mcg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Selenium | 32 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 340 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
Per 1 lamb shank (approx. 300 g meat and bone) with 1/2 cup (120 g) sauce · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish reflects the Greek culinary philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients—lamb, lemon, and oregano—to create deep flavor through slow cooking. Nutritionally, the combination of lemon juice with lamb may aid in iron absorption due to the vitamin C content, a clever traditional practice.
