Meat | Gluten Free

Mutton Shoulder

Ovis aries (mutton) Allergen-Free
Mutton Shoulder

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Middle Eastern|Indian|British
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sheep

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A cut of meat from the shoulder of mature sheep (mutton), known for its rich, gamey flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Sensory Profile

TasteRich, Gamey, Earthy, Savory
TextureTender (when slow-cooked), Fibrous
AromaPungent, Distinctly Mutton
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g
Calories250 kcal
Total Fat16g
Saturated Fat7g
Trans Fat1g
Cholesterol90mg
Protein25g
Total Carbohydrate0g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0g
Calcium10mg
Iron2mg
Potassium300mg

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the gamey flavor of mutton, marinate it overnight in yogurt, buttermilk, or a mixture of lemon juice and spices before cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Lamb Shoulder

1:1

Closest in texture and fat content, but with a milder, less gamey flavor; suitable for most mutton recipes.

Goat Meat (shoulder or leg)

1:1

Offers a similar gamey profile and benefits from slow cooking, though typically leaner than mutton.

Beef Chuck (pot roast cut)

1:1

Good for slow-cooked dishes, providing rich flavor and tenderness, but lacks the distinctive gamey notes of mutton.

Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)

1:1

Excellent for slow cooking, yielding very tender results, but has a vastly different flavor profile than mutton.

Buying Guide

Look for well-marbled cuts with a deep red color. Choose boneless or bone-in depending on desired flavor intensity and cooking method.

Flavor Pairings

Rosemary garlic cumin mint potatoes root vegetables red wine strong gravies.