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

Main Dish Cuisine Lunch European

Mediterranean Pot Stickers

Escape to the Mediterranean with these vibrant pot stickers! Inspired by the culinary masters, this recipe bursts with fresh herbs, savory flavors, and a delightful twist on a classic. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer.

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Asian Occasion Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient

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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Occasion Main Ingredient Holiday Event Course

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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Course 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Turkish

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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Dietary Meat Main Ingredient One Dish Meal

Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers W Green Mayonnaise

Experience a flavor explosion with these Apricot Mint Lamb Burgers! A delightful twist on a classic, these juicy lamb patties are topped with a vibrant green mayonnaise for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Don't be intimidated by the slightly loose patties – they'll hold together perfectly. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue. Make the green mayonnaise ahead of time for an even easier cooking process. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Low In Something Meat European

Baked Lamb And Yogurt Albanian Name Tav Kosi

Experience the rich flavors of Albania with this decadent Tavë Kosi recipe! A heartwarming family favorite, this baked lamb dish is slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy yogurt sauce. This version offers a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. Get ready for tender, succulent lamb infused with aromatic spices, served alongside fluffy rice. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this authentic Albanian culinary gem!

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Meat Rice Course Time To Make

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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Time To Make Pakistani 60 Minutes Or Less Meat

Balochi Rosh

Indulge in the rich flavors of Balochistan with this authentic Balochi Rosh recipe! Traditionally served at weddings, picnics, and farewells, this luxurious Persian-originated dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with aromatic spices and creamy richness. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Persia with each flavorful bite!

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Asian Weeknight Low In Something Asian

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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Asian Asian Course Cuisine

Armenian Stuffed Vegetables Dolma

Experience the vibrant flavors of Armenia with this incredible Dolma recipe! A Middle Eastern classic, our Armenian version uses a medley of colorful vegetables, expertly stuffed with a savory filling and simmered to perfection. This recipe is a true culinary masterpiece, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic and unforgettable dish!

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Healthy 2 Lentils Cuisine Preparation

Algerian Lamb And Lentil Soup

Discover the rich flavors of Algeria with this hearty lamb and lentil soup, a recipe sourced from Maria Luisa Scott and Jack Denton Scott's culinary travels, featured in their cookbook "A World of Pasta." This authentic recipe, perfect for a cozy night in, features tender lamb, earthy lentils, and aromatic spices. Plan ahead – lentils need a 2-hour soak! Prepare for a delicious journey to Northern Africa.

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Course Time To Make Meat Main Dish

Moroccan Patties With Minted Cucumber Salad

These healthy and delicious Moroccan patties are incredibly easy to make! Inspired by global flavors, this recipe delivers a vibrant and refreshing meal. Enjoy perfectly crispy patties (optional: use a George Foreman grill for stunning presentation!) paired with a cool, minty cucumber salad. Customize the spice level with your preferred amount of coriander, and use store-bought or homemade Moroccan seasoning. A delightful twist: we've added French vanilla yogurt to the salad for a creamy, unexpected flavor! Get ready to impress!

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Lamb Sheep Course Inexpensive Main Dish

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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Weeknight Meat Main Ingredient Cuisine

Shahi Korma

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Shahi Korma, a regal lamb or beef curry fit for a king! This luxurious dish boasts tender meat simmered in a creamy, fragrant sauce with a medley of warming spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, our easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience culinary royalty!

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Time To Make European Cuisine Course

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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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Dish Dietary

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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Low Sodium Preparation Greek Stove Top

Artichokes Lamb And Orzo Avgolemono

A delightful fusion of Greek flavors! This Artichokes, Lamb, and Orzo Avgolemono recipe combines tender lamb, hearts of artichoke, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a creamy, lemony avgolemono sauce. A comforting and elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Appetizers 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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