Lamb shoulder is a popular choice for home cooks looking for a flavorful and succulent cut. One serving (excluding Refuse) that yields from 1 lb of raw meat with Refuse, cooked and braised, contains around 720 calories. While this might seem high, lamb shoulder is packed with nutrients that make it a healthy choice.

In addition to being a great source of protein, lamb shoulder also contains important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are vital for keeping your body functioning at its best.

If you're looking for a way to add more variety to your meals and get some great health benefits at the same time, lamb shoulder is definitely worth considering.

Calories per serving

One serving of lamb shoulder (excluding Refuse) that yields from 1 lb of raw meat with Refuse, cooked and braised, contains around 720 calories. This might seem high, but it's important to remember that lamb shoulder is a nutrient-dense food that can be part of a healthy and balanced diet. If you're concerned about your calorie intake, it's important to pay attention to portion sizes and balance your meals with plenty of vegetables and other healthy foods.

Protein content

Lamb shoulder is a great source of protein, with each serving containing around 88 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. In addition to providing a good amount of protein, lamb shoulder also contains other important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Fat content

Each serving of lamb shoulder contains around 51 grams of fat, with around 20 grams of that being saturated fat. While some fat is necessary for good health, it's important to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. To reduce the amount of fat in your lamb shoulder, you can trim any excess fat before cooking and choose leaner cooking methods like grilling or baking.

Carbohydrate content

Each serving of lamb shoulder contains around 0 grams of carbohydrates, which makes it a great choice for people on a low-carbohydrate diet. However, it's important to balance your meals with plenty of other healthy foods like vegetables and whole grains.

Vitamins and minerals

Lamb shoulder is a great source of iron, which is important for healthy blood cells, and zinc, which plays a role in immune function and wound healing. It also contains vitamin B12, which is necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. If you're concerned about getting enough of these important nutrients, lamb shoulder can be a great addition to your diet.

Health benefits

Some studies have shown that eating lamb can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Lamb is also a good source of CLA, a type of fatty acid that has been linked to reduced body fat and improved insulin sensitivity. In addition, lamb contains antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Preparation methods

One of the most popular ways to cook lamb shoulder is to braise it, which involves cooking it slowly in a flavorful liquid until it becomes tender and succulent. You can also roast or grill lamb shoulder, which will give it a delicious crust and a juicy interior. To add even more flavor, you can marinate lamb shoulder before cooking it, or add herbs and spices to your Braising liquid.

Serving suggestions

One classic pairing is roast lamb shoulder with mint sauce or jelly, which is a traditional dish in many European countries. You can also serve lamb shoulder with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or asparagus. For a more exotic flavor, try serving lamb shoulder with couscous, tabbouleh, or other Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes.

Storage tips

Raw lamb shoulder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you're not planning to use it within that time frame, you can also freeze it for up to 6 months. When storing lamb shoulder, it's important to keep it well-sealed to prevent contamination from other foods. You can store it in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag, or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Recipe ideas

1. Rosemary and garlic roast lamb shoulder: Rub lamb shoulder with minced garlic and fresh rosemary, then roast in the oven until tender and golden. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans. 2. Lamb and vegetable tagine: Cook lamb shoulder in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Serve over couscous. 3. Greek-style lamb shoulder: Marinate lamb shoulder in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, then grill to medium-rare. Serve with a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce.