Teriyaki lamb is an irresistible Japanese-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and incredibly simple to make in a slow cooker. The rich, sticky sauce clings to tender slices of lamb, making every bite a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and umami. This dish has a special place in many families because it’s easy to prepare, can be adapted to different diets, and delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Plus, slow-cooking ensures the meat stays juicy and absorbs all the flavors. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a busy day to be greeted by the smell of slow-cooked lamb soaked in a homemade teriyaki sauce—it’s pure comfort. The dish is perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special family meals. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Low Effort, High Reward: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this an ideal recipe for busy schedules or lazy weekends.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The balance of sweet, salty, and tangy in the teriyaki sauce is addicting. You won’t be able to get enough!
Versatile: Whether you pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry, this dish complements various sides.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
Diet Adaptable: With a few simple tweaks, this dish can be gluten-free or low-carb.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make this delicious slow cooker teriyaki lamb, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Lamb Sirloin Steak (2 lbs): Thinly sliced for tenderness and ease of cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute lamb shoulder for a fattier cut.
Soy Sauce (⅓ cup): The salty base of our teriyaki sauce. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Water (⅔ cup): Helps thin out the sauce while it cooks.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Honey (3 tbsp): Enhances the sweetness while giving the sauce a glossy finish.
Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Adds a nutty aroma that pairs well with lamb.
Garlic (2 tsp minced): Brings a fragrant depth to the dish.
Fresh Ginger (1 tsp minced): Adds a zingy warmth that complements the other flavors.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp): For thickening the sauce, mixed with ⅓ cup of water.

These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful sauce that the lamb will cook in for hours, becoming tender and succulent.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb:

Here’s how to pull it all together.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Lamb: Begin by thinly slicing your lamb sirloin steak. The thinner you slice, the faster the meat will cook, and the more tender it will be. Place the sliced lamb into your slow cooker.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Start Cooking: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the lamb in the slow cooker, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high for 2 to 3 hours, but the low setting will yield more tender lamb.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, and turn the heat to high. This will thicken the sauce, making it perfectly glossy and rich.
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the lamb is fork-tender, serve the dish immediately. It pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, but feel free to get creative with sides—noodles or stir-fried vegetables work just as well.

Cooking Tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish. While powdered versions are convenient, fresh ingredients offer a more aromatic and nuanced taste.
Cut Against the Grain: Always slice your lamb against the grain to ensure it’s as tender as possible. This simple step makes a world of difference in the final texture.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can always add more cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) to achieve the desired consistency.

Helpful Tips:

Customize the Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly. You can also add a little more rice vinegar to enhance the acidity.
Add Vegetables: Want a one-pot meal? Throw in some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce and add color and nutrition to the dish.
Make it Spicy: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha for a spicy twist on the traditional teriyaki sauce.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free Adaptable

Notes:

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to tweak the sweetness and add your favorite vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 32g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 13g
Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time for chicken (3-4 hours on low) and for tofu (1-2 hours on low).

How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to add a little water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Storage Instructions:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Conclusion:

This slow cooker teriyaki lamb is a winning combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, while the simple yet rich teriyaki sauce guarantees a meal your family will love. Once you’ve tried it, this recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep solution, or a family favorite, this dish delivers every time! Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Lamb

Author: Charlotte

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Description

Instructions

Prep the Lamb: Begin by thinly slicing your lamb sirloin steak. The thinner you slice, the faster the meat will cook, and the more tender it will be. Place the sliced lamb into your slow cooker.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Start Cooking: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the lamb in the slow cooker, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high for 2 to 3 hours, but the low setting will yield more tender lamb.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, and turn the heat to high. This will thicken the sauce, making it perfectly glossy and rich.
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the lamb is fork-tender, serve the dish immediately. It pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, but feel free to get creative with sides—noodles or stir-fried vegetables work just as well.

Notes

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to tweak the sweetness and add your favorite vegetables