Whether you're in the mood for something slow-cooked and tender or grilled and full of spice, there's a lamb dish for everyone. Here are five delicious ways to prepare lamb, each showcasing a unique cooking style and flavour profile.
Lamb is a wonderfully flavourful and versatile meat that can be cooked in various ways to suit any occasion. Whether you're in the mood for something slow-cooked and tender or grilled and full of spice, there's a lamb dish for everyone. Here are five delicious ways to prepare lamb, each showcasing a unique cooking style and flavour profile.
A Middle Eastern favourite, lamb shawarma is all about bold spices and slow cooking. Traditionally, marinated lamb is stacked and cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but you can achieve similar results at home. Marinate lamb shoulder or leg in a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and yoghurt overnight, then slow roast or grill until juicy and flavourful. Slice thinly and serve in warm pita with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh veggies for a truly authentic experience.
Lamb shank is the perfect choice for slow-cooking enthusiasts. This tough but flavourful cut becomes fall-off-the-bone tender when braised. Brown the shank in a hot pan, then simmer it in a rich broth of red wine, tomatoes, onions, and herbs for several hours. The result? A comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish best enjoyed with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
If you love grilled meats, lamb kofta is a must-try. This Middle Eastern dish is made by blending minced lamb with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and allspice, along with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. The mixture is shaped into skewers and grilled until juicy and slightly charred. Serve with a cooling tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, and warm flatbread — this is great for those sharing dinners. Our kofta recipe from Cooking with Confidence is a great place to start.
For a twist on classic pulled pork, try pulled lamb. This method works best with lamb shoulder or leg, slow-roasted for several hours with a mix of garlic, rosemary, and a hint of smoky paprika. Once the meat is fork-tender, shred it and serve in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, as the leftovers can be used in a variety of dishes. We cover this recipe on our Essential Cooking course.
For an Italian-inspired lamb dish, look no further than lamb ragu. This sauce is rich, hearty, and perfect for pasta lovers. Brown minced lamb or chopped lamb shoulder, then simmer it with tomatoes, red wine, garlic, and fresh herbs until thick and flavourful. Serve over pappardelle or gnocchi, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
