Recipe

Bighorn Sheep Shank with Garlic and Thyme

Utah Bighorn Sheep Shank built around Garlic and Thyme, with enough structure to feel specific and enough restraint to stay useful.

Overview

Utah cooking is at its best when it stays spare, steady, and clear about the cut in front of it. This version uses Garlic and Thyme and a slow braise finish so the Bighorn Sheep Shank stays central instead of getting buried under the rest of the plate.
slow-braise 20 min prep 180 min cook Serves 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 pounds Bighorn Sheep Shank
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Neutral oil or rendered fat
1 to 2 cups Garlic
2 sprigs fresh Thyme
Optional: 1 small Onions
3 cups stock

Method

Trim and season the Bighorn Sheep Shank while you prep the Garlic and Thyme.
Set up the pan, pot, or oven before you start cooking so the timing stays calm once the protein goes down.
Keep the heat low and steady until the cut yields cleanly and the supporting ingredients have done their work.
Fold in the Garlic and Thyme at the right point so they support the cut instead of dissolving into the background.
Rest or hold the protein briefly, then serve while the pan juices or broth still feel connected to the plate.

Notes

Keep the seasoning clean and let the cut set the pace. Leftovers keep best when cooled quickly and packed shallow; Utah meals built around Bighorn Sheep Shank are usually stronger on day one than after repeated reheats.