What is Turkish lamb shank? It is a hearty main of lamb shank, slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone. First, cooks braise the shank for hours with tomato, onion and herbs. Then the meat turns meltingly tender. Finally, they serve it hot, often over rice or creamy mashed potato. In Turkish, cooks call it kuzu incik.
In this guide, we explain where the dish comes from and how cooks make it. We also cover how it tastes and how they serve it. Finally, we show you where to try it halal in Kuala Lumpur.
The origin of Turkish lamb shank
Turkish lamb shank belongs to Turkey’s long tradition of slow-cooked lamb. In fact, cooks across the country braise tougher cuts low and slow. Over several hours, the meat grows soft and rich. Today, you will find the dish on menus everywhere. Still, its comfort-food heart stays the same.
What is Turkish lamb shank made of?
So what goes into Turkish lamb shank? It relies on a few good ingredients:
- Lamb shank: the bone-in cut that turns tender with time.
- Tomato and onion: the base for a rich braising sauce.
- Garlic and herbs: for warmth and depth of flavour.
- Stock: to cook the meat slowly and keep it moist.
Together, these parts create a deep, savoury sauce. Above all, the slow braise makes the meat tender.
How it is cooked
Slow cooking is the secret. First, cooks brown the shank to build flavour. Then they braise it gently with tomato, onion and stock. Over several hours, the meat softens and soaks up the sauce. As a result, it falls off the bone.
What does it taste like?
The dish tastes rich, savoury and comforting. The lamb turns soft and juicy. Meanwhile, the tomato sauce adds warmth and depth. Because it cooks so slowly, every bite melts in the mouth. So it suits anyone who loves hearty, home-style food.
How it is served
Restaurants usually serve the shank hot and whole, still on the bone. Often, it rests on rice, mashed potato or a bed of vegetables. At Lalezar, we slow-cook our lamb shank until tender and serve it with fragrant rice. So you get a full, satisfying plate.
Is Turkish lamb shank halal?
Is Turkish lamb shank halal? Yes, when the kitchen prepares it that way. At a halal restaurant, the team sources and cooks the lamb to halal standards. Of course, Muslim diners can then order with full confidence. At Lalezar, we prepare every dish halal.
Where to try Turkish lamb shank in Kuala Lumpur
Has this made you hungry? Then come and try our slow-cooked lamb at Lalezar, a halal Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Alongside Turkish lamb shank, you will also find kebabs, kuzu tandir and fragrant rice dishes. So explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch. We welcome you across three locations: Ampang, USJ Heights and Centrepoint Bandar Utama.
Frequently asked questions
What is Turkish lamb shank in simple terms?
Simply put, it is a lamb shank braised slowly until the meat falls off the bone, served hot with rice or mashed potato.
Is it tender?
Very. Hours of slow cooking make the meat soft enough to pull apart with a fork.
What is it called in Turkish?
Cooks call it kuzu incik, which simply means lamb shank.