Do you have to brown lamb before slow cooking?
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.
Browning the meat doesn’t take long and has some advantages, including a good looking, caramelised surface and richer coloured dish. It can also give a deeper flavour, and some say a better texture.
How to brown meat for slow cooking
Follow these tips to brown a large cut of meat before slow cooking. It only takes a few minutes:
- 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 all over.
- Remove meat. It can be placed directly into the slow cooker.
You only want to give colour to the outside, and the rest will cook in the slow cooker. This is why it’s okay to use a nice high heat.
More slow-cooking tips
Looking for more tips? Learn more via these links:
- The best slow cooker recipes and tips
- Things you should never put in your slow cooker
- Converting an oven or stovetop recipe into a slow cooker recipe
More slow cooker recipes
Get lots more succulent slow-cooking recipes below!
Get the recipe: Sri Lankan Lamb Shank Curry
Cook lamb shanks with eggplant and Sri Lankan curry sauce for a fantastically warming winter meal.
Get the recipe: Korma Marinated Lamb Shoulder with Spinach Lentils
This lamb shoulder is slow-cooked in the oven, so it doesn't need to be browned before roasting.
Get the recipe: Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary
Lamb shoulder can be slow cooked in lots of different ways, try them all this slow cooker season.
