Lamb shoulder is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat, perfect for slow roasting, braising, or even slow cooking. It’s well-marbled, which means it becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow, making it ideal for dishes where you want the meat to fall apart and absorb all the surrounding flavors. Here are some popular ways to cook lamb shoulder:
Season the lamb shoulder with garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast the lamb shoulder in a roasting pan, uncovered, for 3-4 hours, until it’s tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Optional: You can add vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes to the pan for a one-pot meal.
This method creates a beautifully browned exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
2. Braised Lamb ShoulderIngredients: Lamb shoulder (bone-in or boneless), onion, garlic, carrots, celery, red wine, beef or lamb stock, rosemary, thyme.
Method:
Brown the lamb shoulder in a pot or Dutch oven to develop a rich crust.
Remove the lamb and sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Add wine and stock, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom.
Return the lamb to the pot, add herbs, and cover with a lid.
Braise in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5-3 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
Braising gives the lamb a rich, savory flavor and results in tender, juicy meat.
3. Lamb Shoulder in a Slow CookerIngredients: Lamb shoulder, garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, carrots, potatoes, chicken or lamb stock.
Method:
Season the lamb shoulder with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Place it in the slow cooker with vegetables and enough stock to cover the bottom.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
This method is super easy and results in a flavorful, hands-off meal.
4. Pulled Lamb Shoulder (Shredded)This is a great method if you want to make lamb tacos, sandwiches, or wraps.
Method: Roast or braise the lamb shoulder until it's tender enough to shred with forks. Mix with BBQ sauce or your favorite marinade for a tasty, pulled meat filling.
5. Lamb Shoulder with Moroccan SpicesIngredients: Lamb shoulder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and preserved lemons.
Method: Season the lamb shoulder with Moroccan spices and slow roast or braise it with stock and vegetables like tomatoes and chickpeas. The spices will give the lamb a warm, aromatic flavor.
Lamb shoulder pairs well with a variety of sides, including couscous, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Would you like a detailed recipe for one of these methods or suggestions for specific seasonings or sides?
