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Lamb BreastvsLamb Shoulder

lamb · Approximate equivalent

These cuts are approximate equivalents — similar in character but with meaningful differences in preparation or exact cut.

Shoulder is the meatier substitute when a recipe calls for breast, with the same fat-to-collagen behaviour over a long cook.

Translation takeaway

These are related cuts, but not perfect swaps. Use the table below to judge how close your local option is before buying.

Open Lamb BreastOpen Lamb ShoulderSee substitutes
Keep this comparisonSave Lamb Breast and Lamb Shoulder together for shopping, cooking notes, and future reference.
Lamb Breast
Lamb · Breast

The breast is the belly of the lamb, situated beneath the rack and loin. It consists of alternating layers of fat and lean meat, similar in structure to pork belly. When braised…

NeckRackLoinChumpLegShoulderBreast
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Lamb Shoulder
Lamb · Shoulder

The shoulder is the entire front quarter of the lamb, and is more heavily marbled than the leg due to the constant use of the shoulder muscles. This fat and connective tissue…

NeckRackLoinChumpLegShoulderBreast
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Names by country

CountryLamb BreastLamb Shoulder
🇺🇸United StatesLamb BreastLamb Shoulder
🇬🇧United KingdomBreast of LambShoulder of Lamb
🇫🇷FrancePoitrine d'agneauÉpaule d'agneau
🇪🇸SpainPecho de corderoPaletilla de cordero
🇦🇷ArgentinaPecho de corderoPaleta de cordero
🇲🇽MexicoPecho de corderoPaleta de cordero
🇵🇹PortugalPeito de borregoPá de borrego
🇧🇷BrazilPeito de cordeiroPaleta de cordeiro
🇮🇹ItalyPetto d'agnelloSpalla d'agnello
🇩🇪GermanyLammbrustLammschulter

Cook either one well

$$ · braised beef, lamb neck, pot roasts, and stews

Turn a tough cut tender in one pot

Browning meat on the stovetop, then braising it slowly in the oven.

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

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