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Lamb 101

All the cuts you need to know about

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Cooked lamb roast in a pan with sage and garlic

Shoulder

To get the most out of its flavor, cook lamb shoulder on the bone. Can be cut into the blade and the arm chop. Great for lamb stew!

Cooking Methods: Roast, Slow-Cook, Stew

Drawing of a lamb with the shoulder section highlighted.

Rack

Extra tender and delicious. While it can look intimidating, fear not: a rack of ribs is actually easy to prepare and makes for a memorable showstopper. This is also where you find rib chops. Want to really impress your dinner guests? Ask your butcher to tie the rack into a traditional “crown” shape.

Cooking Methods: Grill, Pan Fry, Roast

Recipes: Roasted Rack of Lamb Dijon

Drawing of a lamb with the rib section highlighted.


Loin

One of the most prized, tender, and delicious cuts of lamb. This area contains loin chops and the tenderloin. Great with your favorite dry rub.

Cooking Methods: Broil, Grill

Drawing of a lamb with the loin section highlighted.

Leg

Lots of muscle, so lots of flavor! Aiming to impress a crowd and leave everyone feeling full? Roast a full leg of lamb for quite the showstopper. Available at our Butcher Shop boneless or bone-in. Pro-tip: Ask our team to ‘butterfly’ the boneless leg, then take it home and toss it on the grill!

Cooking Methods: Grill, Roast

Recipes: Lamb Kabobs with Grilled Peaches | Leg of Lamb Roast

Drawing of a lamb with the leg section highlighted.

Fore Shank

The lower section of the animal’s front leg. When cooked slowly with low, moist heat, you get remarkable tenderness and flavor. Usually a more cost-friendly cut of meat.

Cooking Methods: Braise, Roast, Slow-Cook

Drawing of a lamb with the fore shank section highlighted.

Breast

The breast is full of cartilage and connective tissues, so this is one to cook slow and low with moist heat.

Cooking Methods: Roast

Drawing of a lamb with the breast section highlighted.

Flank

This cut of meat can be a little tough, so make sure to cook it using moist heat.

Cooking Methods: Braise

Drawing of a lamb with the flank section highlighted.


Hind Shank

The lower section of the animal’s hind legs. Full of muscle from constant use, you want to cook these slowly with low, moist heat. Braised lamb shanks is a popular dish amongst restaurants, because when it’s done right and without rush, you get amazing tenderness.

Cooking Methods: Braise, Roast, Slow-Cook

Drawing of a lamb with the hind shank section highlighted.