Lamb

Ovis aries (domestic sheep) Meat, Red Meat

Lamb Meat, Red Meat

At a Glance

  • Category Meat, Red Meat

The Forktionary Angle

"A cornerstone of global cuisine, offering unparalleled richness and versatility from delicate chops to hearty stews."

Definition

The meat of a young domestic sheep, typically less than one year old, known for its tender texture and distinctive, rich, often gamey flavor.

Global Production 15.3 million metric tons (2022 est., mutton & lamb)
Iron Source Excellent source of heme iron.
Protein Content ~25g per 100g serving

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lamb are:

Rich earthy subtly gamey savory

Chef’s Secret

Lamb benefits immensely from resting after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

Best Substitutes

"Beef (for roasts/stews) 1:1

Goat (similar gamey flavor) 1:1

Venison (for richer flavor) 1:1"

Buying Guide

Choose cuts with a good fat marbling for flavor, and look for a pale pink to red color indicating freshness.

Recipes Using Lamb

Time To Make Time To Make European Appetizers

7 Layer Dip Greek Style

This vibrant 7-layer dip puts a delicious Mediterranean spin on the classic Mexican favorite! Creamy hummus, savory lamb (or easily adaptable vegetarian!), crisp vegetables, and zesty tzatziki create a flavor explosion. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal, served with warm pita chips. Get ready for this crowd-pleasing recipe to disappear in minutes!

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Dietary Low Calorie Soups Stews Low Fat

Aash E Shalgham

Experience the comforting warmth of Aash-e Shalgham, a traditional Persian turnip soup. This hearty and flavorful recipe combines tender turnips, savory ground meat, and aromatic spices for a truly authentic taste of Iran. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion, this soul-warming soup is surprisingly easy to make!

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Lamb Sheep Cuisine Lamb Sheep Main Ingredient

Adana Kebab

Experience the fiery flavors of Turkey with this authentic Adana Kebab recipe! Named after Turkey's fourth-largest city, this kebab boasts a succulent blend of lamb and veal, marinated overnight for maximum tenderness. The secret ingredient? Zesty sumac, easily found in Middle Eastern markets or online – trust us, it makes all the difference! Prepare for a culinary journey as you grill these flavorful skewers to perfection, then tuck them into warm pita bread with creamy yogurt sauce and a vibrant red onion relish. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Long Grain Rice Meat Main Ingredient Presentation

Afghani Lamb And Rice Dish

Experience the vibrant flavors of Afghanistan with this authentic Quabili Pilau recipe! Inspired by a family-run food cart, this dish masterfully blends aromatic Asian and Arabic spices with tender lamb and fluffy rice. A perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal.

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Preparation Dietary Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less

Arabian Rice

Experience the intoxicating aromas of this Arabian Rice, a fluffy and flavorful side dish that complements any lamb or chicken stew perfectly. This recipe features a unique blend of spices and a touch of vermicelli for added texture. Easy to follow instructions will guide you to create a restaurant-quality side dish in under an hour!

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60 Minutes Or Less Course Lamb Sheep Main Dish

Arabic Style Rice With Lamb Meat

Experience the rich flavors of the Arab world with this incredibly aromatic and tender lamb rice recipe! Passed down through generations, this dish is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any weeknight dinner you want to elevate. Juicy lamb, fragrant spices, and crunchy pine nuts create a symphony of taste that your family will adore. Easily adaptable with ground beef if preferred, but nothing beats the succulent flavor of lamb. Serve alongside roast lamb or turkey for a truly unforgettable meal.

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Preparation Course Time To Make Preparation

Arayes Mini Meat Calzones

Experience the irresistible flavors of the Middle East with these mini meat calzones! These savory pastries are bursting with a delicious blend of spiced lamb, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect as a mezze, starter, or a delightful snack, they're best served warm with hummus, a vibrant Arabic salad, or tangy pickles. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make recipe! (Baharat spice mix recipe #224763)

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Course Pizza Dietary Lunch

Armenian Pizza Lahmajoun

Experience the delicious flavors of Armenia with this easy-to-make individual Lahmajoun! This recipe transforms simple tortillas into crispy, savory mini-pizzas topped with a flavorful ground meat mixture. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun family activity, these Lahmajoun are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain with a squeeze of lemon, or elevate them with melted jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato – taco-style! They're so good, your family will devour them! Plus, they freeze beautifully for a quick after-school snack. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Vegetables Course Main Dish Preparation

Aussie Lamb Burgers With Goat Cheese And Tomato Relish

Savor the taste of Australia with these juicy Aussie Lamb Burgers! This recipe, inspired by "Simply Delicious Australian Lamb," features flavorful lamb patties coated in cornmeal, topped with creamy goat cheese, and a vibrant homemade tomato relish. Perfect for a BBQ, weeknight dinner, or any occasion. Get ready for a culinary adventure Down Under!

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Lamb Sheep Preparation

Badam Pasanda

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Badam Pasanda, a luxurious Indian chicken curry. This exquisite dish features tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce of yogurt, cream, and ground almonds, infused with warming spices. Prepare for a taste sensation that's both subtly sweet and delicately spicy – a true culinary masterpiece you'll crave again and again! Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Winter Citrus Iranian Persian Dietary

Bademjan Delicious Persian Stew

Dive into the rich flavors of Bademjan (Eggplant) – a comforting and authentic Persian stew! This recipe, easily adaptable for vegetarians, pairs perfectly with fluffy Persian rice (polo). Impress your family and friends with this vibrant and flavorful dish, bursting with aromatic spices and tender eggplant. Get ready for a culinary journey to Iran!

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Low Cholesterol Meat Main Ingredient Asian

Baked Kafta

Experience the authentic flavors of Lebanon with this Baked Kafta recipe, adapted from Mary Salloum's beloved cookbook, "A Taste of Lebanon." Juicy kafta patties, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, are baked to perfection with tender carrots. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this classic Lebanese dish!

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Preparation Low Cholesterol Chinese Low Calorie

Basic Fried Rice With Variations

Master the art of fried rice with this versatile recipe! Learned from a Chinese cooking class, this fundamental fried rice provides a base for endless customization. Choose your favorite protein and veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Explore exciting flavor combinations – from classic beef and peppers to unique chicken and bamboo shoot creations. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Kiwifruit Barbecue Oven Dietary

Bbq Kiwifruit Lamb Kebabs

Experience a taste sensation with these BBQ Kiwifruit Lamb Kebabs! Sweet kiwifruit surprisingly tenderizes succulent New Zealand lamb, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor combination. Perfect for summer barbecues, these kebabs are quick to prepare and cook, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sunshine and company. This recipe uses the natural enzymes in kiwifruit to create incredibly tender lamb, resulting in juicy, flavorful kebabs that are sure to impress. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Cuisine Low In Something Meat Cuisine

Curried Lamb Loaf

Spice up your weeknight dinner with this flavorful Curried Lamb Loaf! Tender ground lamb infused with aromatic curry spices is baked to perfection under a sweet and tangy tomato glaze. A comforting twist on a classic, this recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Serve with fluffy basmati rice and your favorite chutney for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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Meat 3 Steps Or Less Lamb Sheep Preparation

Gyro Meat

Experience the taste of Greece with this authentic Gyro Meat recipe! A family favorite passed down through generations, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful gyro meat perfect for pita pockets. The secret? A generous blend of aromatic spices and a touch of garlic (use less if you prefer). Serve with our complementary Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (recipe included) for an unforgettable culinary journey. Get ready for a delicious adventure!

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Preparation Free Of Something Cuisine Preparation

L Ham Lahlou Algerian North African Sweet Lamb Dish

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of L Ham Lahlou, a traditional Algerian dessert lamb dish perfect for Ramadan, special occasions, or any time you crave a unique culinary experience. This recipe, passed down through generations, features tender lamb infused with warm spices and sweet fruits. While traditionally served as a delightful after-dinner treat, its rich and satisfying taste makes it a memorable addition to any meal. Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can experiment with various fruits to create your signature version. This recipe freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying individual portions later. Discover the magic of this North African treasure and prepare for a taste sensation!

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Low Calorie Dietary African Main Ingredient

Moroccan Soup To Fill The Tummy

Craving a warming, satisfying Moroccan-inspired soup? This recipe replaces traditional lamb with succulent chicken, creating a surprisingly delicious and hearty meal that will keep you full and energized for hours! Packed with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables, it's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Easy to follow instructions make this a perfect recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks.

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