Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Cut Lamb Shoulder (Roasts, Chops & Stew)
How do you cut lamb shoulder? To bone it, run a boning knife along the shoulder blade and arm bone, cutting close to the bone, then open the meat flat. From there, roll and tie it for roasting or cut it into 1½-inch cubes for stew and kebabs. Slow-roasted bone-in shoulder is so tender you can pull it apart with forks. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6" Boning Knife ($69) is German X50CrMoV15 at 54–56 HRC; its narrow blade gets around the blade bone.
Ways to use lamb shoulder
| Cut | How | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in roast | Leave whole | Slow roast, then pull |
| Boneless roast | Bone, roll, tie | Roasting, stuffing |
| Cubes | 1½ inch | Stew, curry, tagine |
| Kebab pieces | 1 inch, trimmed | Grilling |
| Shoulder chops | Ask the butcher (cut through bone) | Grilling, braising |
Step by step: boning
- Skin side down, find the flat blade bone.
- Cut along both sides of the blade bone, keeping the knife against it.
- Free the joint, then the arm bone, scraping along it.
- Pull the bones out and save them for stock.
- Trim glands and hard fat; open the meat flat.
- Season, roll and tie every 1½ inches, or cube.
Cooking
Shoulder has plenty of connective tissue, so it shines low and slow. USDA's minimum for whole lamb cuts is 145°F with a 3-minute rest; slow-roasted shoulder is taken much higher until it pulls apart.
Our picks
Boning Knife 6", Crimson Red ABS Handle, Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($69). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Boning Knife 6", Shogun Series, ELITE ($119). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Butcher & Breaking Cimiter Knife 8", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Related: how to carve a leg of lamb and how to cut stew meat.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you cut lamb shoulder?
Bone it by cutting along the blade and arm bones, then roll and tie it or cut it into cubes. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6" Boning Knife ($69) gets around the blade bone.
Is lamb shoulder good for stew?
Yes. Its connective tissue becomes tender with long cooking.
Can you cut lamb shoulder chops at home?
They're cut through bone, so ask your butcher.
How do you shred lamb shoulder?
Slow-roast it until very tender, then pull it apart with forks.
