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Lamb BreastvsLamb Shoulder

lamb · Approximate equivalent

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
Raw Lamb Breast — Lamb Breast cut
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
Full details →
Raw Lamb Shoulder — Lamb Shoulder cut
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
Full details →
Keep Lamb Breast and Lamb Shoulder together in your notebook.

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

Beef braise in an unbranded Dutch oven

$$ · 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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