If your cooked lamb from the crockpot turned out tough and you want to make it tender, there are a few techniques you can try:
Extended Cooking Time: If your lamb is tough, it may not have been cooked long enough. Lamb, especially tougher cuts, benefits from low and slow cooking. You can try cooking it for an additional hour or two in the crockpot on low heat to further break down the connective tissues and make it more tender.
Liquid and Moisture: Adding more liquid to the crockpot can help keep the meat moist and tender. You can use broth, stock, wine, or a combination of these to create a flavorful cooking environment. Make sure the liquid level is enough to cover at least half of the lamb while cooking.
Acidic Marinade: An acidic marinade can help tenderize the lamb before cooking. You can use ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt, or buttermilk in your marinade. Marinate the lamb for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator before transferring it to the crockpot.
Enzymatic Tenderizer: Papaya, kiwi, and pineapple contain enzymes that can help tenderize meat. You can try adding a small amount of pureed papaya or pineapple to your marinade, as the enzymes in these fruits will help break down the tough fibers in the meat.
Natural Meat Tenderizers: Certain ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and ginger, contain enzymes and compounds that can help tenderize meat. Adding these ingredients to your crockpot along with the lamb can enhance its tenderness.
Choose the Right Cut: Some cuts of lamb are naturally more tender than others. For slow cooking, consider using cuts like lamb shoulder, leg, or shanks, as they have more connective tissues that will break down during the cooking process, resulting in a tender outcome.
Resting Period: After the lamb has finished cooking in the crockpot, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb some of the juices, resulting in a more tender texture.
Remember that each piece of meat is different, and the exact cooking time and method may vary depending on the size and thickness of the lamb, as well as the crockpot's settings. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb reaches the desired internal temperature for safety and doneness.