Understanding cuts of meat

A guide to cuts of lamb

At the Weinrich household, lamb is our favorite. It's less common in the US than it deserves to be — partly because most Americans have only encountered imported product that doesn't reflect what lamb can actually taste like. Our lamb is mild, clean, and richly flavored. If you already love it, we think you'll consider ours some of the best you've had. If you're new to it, this is a good place to start.

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lamb butcher graphic

Chops & Steaks

Grill or sear. Fast, high heat. Best cuts for weeknight cooking.

lamb butcher graphic

Roasts

Oven cooking. Leg, shoulder, saddle. Sunday dinner territory.

lamb butcher graphic

Slow-Cook Cuts

Braise or stew. Shank, neck, breast. Time makes them extraordinary.

lamb butcher graphic

Premium Cuts

Rack, frenched rack, tenderloin. Special occasion cuts.

Where the cuts come from

A lamb is divided into several primal sections. Understanding which section a cut comes from tells you a lot about how to cook it.
Lamb butcher guide

High heat, fast cook. These cuts are tender enough to grill or sear and are best served medium-rare to medium. Our heritage lamb has enough fat and flavor that simple seasoning is all you need.

lamb chops raw

Rib Chops

From the rib section

The classic lamb chop. Tender, mild, and well-marbled. Our pasture-raised lamb has a cleaner, less gamey flavor than imported — these chops are a revelation for people who thought they didn’t like lamb.

lamb loin chops raw

Loin Chops

From the loin section

The T-bone of lamb. Two muscles separated by a bone — loin on one side, a sliver of tenderloin on the other. Very tender. One of the most satisfying quick-cook cuts we offer.

lamb cuts

Sirloin Chop / Sirloin Steak

Rear loin, near the leg

Slightly less tender than loin chops but very flavorful — more affordable and excellent for everyday cooking. Cut as a steak, it’s one of the best values on the animal.

 
lamb sirloin steak raw

Leg Steaks

Cross-cut slices of the leg

Slightly firmer texture than loin cuts but full of flavor. Slice against the grain after cooking for maximum tenderness. An underappreciated cut that rewards a hot pan and a little patience.

Oven cooking at moderate heat. Leg, shoulder, and saddle are the classic roasting cuts — impressive on the table and straightforward in the kitchen. Allow resting time and slice across the grain.

leg of lamb raw seasoned

Leg of Lamb

From the rear leg

The centerpiece roast. Large, lean, and impressive. Available bone-in for presentation or boneless for easier carving. Our lamb’s clean flavor makes it ideal with simple herbs and garlic.

lamb shoulder roast raw

Shoulder Roast

From the front shoulder

More marbled and flavorful than the leg — many experienced lamb cooks prefer it. Works beautifully roasted or taken low-and-slow until it pulls apart. Our heritage breeds have outstanding shoulder flavor.

 

Also available

Half Leg Upper or lower portion of the leg. A smaller roast for households that don't need a full leg. Best for: roasting
Boneless Leg Rolled and tied for even cooking and easy carving. A practical choice for dinner parties. Best for: roasting
Saddle of Lamb The entire loin section roasted whole — both sides together. A traditional presentation for special occasions. Best for: roasting whole

Low heat, long time. These cuts have more connective tissue that breaks down into rich, silky gelatin when braised or stewed. The most flavorful cuts on the animal — and often the most affordable.

Lamb Shank

Lower leg, front or rear

The definitive braising cut. Rich in collagen that melts into the braising liquid over 2–3 hours, producing a sauce that is extraordinary in its depth. One shank per person. One of our most popular cuts with restaurant chefs.

lamb shanks raw in a roasting pa

Lamb Neck

WHOLE NECK ROAST OR SLICES

Deep, complex flavor. Sliced or as a whole roast. A favorite of French and North African cooking traditions. Requires patience but repays it generously.

raw lamb neck steaks

Special occasion cuts. These require a little more technique or budget but deliver a dining experience that’s hard to match.

 
rack of lamb - cooked

Rack of Lamb

Whole rib section, 7–8 ribs

The showpiece cut. Roasted whole and sliced into individual chops at the table, it is one of the most impressive things you can put in front of guests. Our rack is exceptional — the fat cap on pasture-raised lamb browns and crisps beautifully.

lamb rack frenched

Frenched Rack

Rack with exposed rib bones

The rack with the rib bones cleaned for presentation — the result is elegant and visually striking on the plate. Ask about availability; we french racks on request.

Lamb Ribs

From the breast / rib section

Smaller than pork or beef ribs but rich in flavor. Excellent smoked low-and-slow or braised then finished on the grill.

Tenderloin

Inside the loin — small, very tender

The most tender muscle on the animal. Often included with loin cuts rather than sold separately. When available alone, cook it fast and serve it pink.

Everyday cooking cuts. Ground lamb and stew meat are accessible entry points that work across many cuisines and cooking styles.

Ground Lamb Trim from across the animal. Our ground lamb is noticeably darker and more richly flavored than standard ground lamb — a reflection of the breed and the pasture diet. Makes exceptional burgers, meatballs, kofta, and meat sauce. Burgers · Meatballs · Sausage · Meat sauce
Stew Meat Cubed cuts from shoulder, leg, or trim. Consistent sizing makes for even cooking in soups and stews. A practical choice for weeknight braised dishes. Soups · Stews · Tagine

Organ meats are nutrient-dense and underutilized. Ask us about availability — not all are stocked at all times.

Liver Mild compared to beef liver. Excellent pan-fried with onions. Pan-fry · Pâté
Heart Lean, dense muscle with strong flavor. Slice thin and cook hot. Grill · Braise
Kidneys Stronger flavor. Soak in milk or cold water before cooking to mellow. Sauté · Braise
Tongue Rich and tender when braised. Peel after cooking. Underrated. Braise

Lamb stock is one of the finest bases for soups and sauces. These cuts are an excellent value and available while supply lasts.

Soup Bones For making broth or stock. Roast first for a darker, richer result. Stock · Broth
Marrow Bones Less common than beef marrow but available. Roast and serve with toast. Roast
Riblets Trimmed rib sections. Good for stock or slow-cooked as a snack. Stock · Slow cook

Ready to try our lamb?

Available at our farm store in Traverse City, select local retailers, and through our wholesale program.

EXPORE OTHER CUT GUIDES