Show Me How to French Cut Lamb Shanks

Basically a french cut just means that some meat has been stripped away from the shank to reveal the bone

This makes for a nicer presentation, you know like the little lamb chops that look like lollipops?

You can french cut veal chops, or shanks, lamb chops or shanks, etc.

It also gives you a nice handle to hold if you decide to go medieval and use your hands

I’m working with 4 lamb shanks here

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Start by making a cut through the thick part of meat about 2 inches down from the skinny end of the shank bone

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Follow the bone all the way around

Lift the shank up and be sure to cut away from yourself

Remove this meat from the bone

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Cut this away from all sides of the shank

Keep turning the shank and removing meat, skin and sinew

Start scraping down and away from you with the blade against the bone

Scrape the bone as clean as you can

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I reserve this meat to add to the pan I’m cooking the shanks in for extra flavor for the gravy, or if your feeling generous save it for a favorite pooch!

Next trim off any extra fat and skin

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              Cut score marks into the silver skin

This is the aptly named silver membrane that can be very tough

One down and three to go!

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And there you have it!

You have just French cut lamb shanks!

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Simply Sundays! ~ Show me how to French Cut Lamb Shanks

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Print

Directions

Start by making a cut through the thick part of meat about 2 inches down from the skinny end of the shank bone.  Follow the bone all the way around.  Lift the shank up and be sure to cut away from yourself.  Remove this meat from the bone

Cut this away from all sides of the shank.  Keep turning the shank and removing meat, skin and sinew.  Start scraping down and away from you with the blade against the bone Scrape the bone as clean as you can

Next trim off any extra fat and skin.  Cut score marks into the silver skin.  Repeat the process with the other shanks

Tools used

ZELITE INFINITY Boning Knife 6 inch

Simply Bamboo 20 X 14 Bamboo Cutting Board

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