You cook cuts of lamb just as you would any other meat. The most tender cuts are the lamb chops and these can be quickly cooked on the stovetop like pork chops or steaks. Leg of lamb and lamb shoulder are tougher cuts of meat and are best either roasted or braised slowly over the course of an afternoon. Rack of lamb also does best roasted in the oven.
Much of the "gamey" flavor that people talk about with lamb comes from the fat. Some people love this, others...not so much. If you're in the "not so much" camp, it can help to trim away as much of the fat from the exterior of the meat as possible. I also find that I like the flavor of lamb when it's cooked to medium or even medium-well, when it's just barely pink in the middle.
If you're new to lamb, try mixing ground lamb with some ground beef to make meatballs or burgers. This is an easy way to prepare lamb for the first time and helps introduce you to its flavor in a familiar context.
Since the meat is so rich and flavorful, I like it best when seasoned with herbs and spices that add some brightness and contrast. There are some classic flavor companions to lamb, like mint and lemon zest. Warming spices like cinnamon and black pepper bring out lamb's cozier side. Lamb also does well with fruits like pomegranates, apricots, and plums.
Some recipes to get your mouth watering!
Simplest Cinnamon Lamb Stew
Spiced Lamb Meatballs
Cucumber and Mint Spiced Lamb Salad
Rich and Meaty Lamb Ragu
Braised Lamb Shanks and Root Vegetable Puree
Spiced Lamb Burgers
What are your favorite lamb recipes?
Related: Leftovers Recipe: Lamb Pitas with Cucumber Mint Tzatziki
(Image: Bernd Juergens/Shutterstock)
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Q: I purchased half a local cow and have been working through all the cuts of meat. I'm having fun using ALL the parts and have picked out all the usable meat. I now have an entire gallon bag full of pulled beef and need ideas on how to use it, as BBQ gets boring quickly. Any suggestions?