Meat & Poultry | Gluten Free Ketogenic Low Carb

Lamb

Ovis aries Allergen-Free
Lamb

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Bovidae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, British
  • Seasonality Year-Round (peak spring/early summer for spring lamb)
  • Source Sheep

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

Meat from a young domestic sheep, known for its distinct, rich flavor and tender texture, popular in many global cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteRich, savory, distinctive "gamey" flavor, sometimes sweet
TextureTender, succulent (when cooked correctly), firm muscle fibers
AromaMeaty, sometimes grassy or slightly musky
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production

15.3 million metric tons (2022 est., mutton & lamb)

Iron Source

Excellent source of heme iron.

Protein Content

~25g per 100g serving

Nutrition Facts

Per 3 oz (85g)
Calories250 kcal
Total Fat17 g
Saturated Fat7 g
Trans Fat0.8 g
Cholesterol80 mg
Protein25 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium15 mg
Iron2 mg
Potassium300 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always rest lamb after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Substitutions

Best Match

Beef

1:1

Similar texture and protein, less gamey flavor; excellent in most dishes.

Goat Meat

1:1

Closest in gamey flavor profile, leaner than lamb, good for slow cooking.

Venison

1:1

Stronger gamey flavor, very lean; requires careful cooking to prevent drying.

Pork

1:1

Milder flavor, good for roasts or stews, but less richness than lamb.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, reddish meat with good marbling. Avoid grey or dry-looking cuts.

Flavor Pairings

Rosemary garlic mint oregano red wine root vegetables.

Recipes Using Lamb

Time To Make Preparation Dips 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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Low Fat Low Cholesterol Healthy Preparation

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 Turkish Main Dish Preparation

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 Rice Course 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Lunch Time To Make Occasion European

Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe

Experience the ultimate gyro meat recipe, perfected by Alton Brown! This mouthwatering blend of succulent lamb and savory ground beef is incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you prefer the oven-baked meatloaf method or the impressive rotisserie approach, the result is a juicy, tender gyro that's guaranteed to impress. Detailed instructions guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect gyro every time. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Dish

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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Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains Presentation Course

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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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Appetizers 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Pizza Preparation For Large Groups Pizza

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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Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Grilling Australian

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 Course

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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Holiday Event 4 Hours Or Less Asian Low Calorie

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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Oven Low Calorie Equipment 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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Low Calorie Preparation Course Time To Make

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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Side Dishes Dietary Dinner Party Course

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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Main Dish Lamb Sheep 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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Main Dish Broil Dietary Main Ingredient

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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Number Of Servings Meat Equipment Side Dishes

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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