Smoked Lamb Shoulder
If you want irresistibly juicy and tender pulled lamb, a great option is a smoked lamb shoulder. Both lamb and goat shoulders are perfect cuts for smoking as they have lots of intermuscular fat and require long-cooking to be tender enough to slice or shred. This smoked lamb shoulder recipe is one I make regularly, and is very similar to how I cook pork butt, or pork shoulder to make pulled pork. Here’s how to make it, and what to do with it when it’s done.
How to Make Smoked Lamb Shoulder
How to Serve Smoked Lamb Shoulder
A whole smoked shoulder is very versatile and can be used for lots of different things. If you shred the meat, make sure to season it with salt and pepper to taste, along with some oil to keep it moist, such as grapeseed oil or melted lamb fat. Depending on how you’re feeling you can serve this with your favorite barbecue side dishes like collard greens, coleslaw, and cornbread, or with other seasonal accompaniments. It’s great anytime of the year.
This recipe is by James Beard award-winning Chef Alan Bergo, the Forager Chef. A chef from Minnesota, Alan is a culinary industry veteran, former chef of acclaimed Lucia’s Restaurant and the Salt Cellar. Author of The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora, he’s one of the most respected voices in the world of foraging and wild food. He’s best known as the founder of Forager Chef, his website focused on wild ingredients that reaches millions of readers each year. Learn more about Chef Alan and his hunt for mushrooms, wild and obscure foods at foragerchef.com.
Looking to buy lamb or goat online? Shepherd Song Farm: Grass to table. We raise lambs & goats traditionally, humanely and sustainably. 100% Grass Fed, Pasture Raised, Never Confined, no Hormones, Grains or Animal Byproducts. Born, raised and processed in the U.S.A. Good for you and good for the environment.
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Smoked Lamb Shoulder
Equipment
- 1 smoker
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 3 lb lamb shoulder
- A drizzle 1.5 teaspoons cooking oil, like grapeseed or canola
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons dry rub recipe follows
Dry Rub
- 2 teaspoons whole all spice
- 1.5 teaspoons coriander seed
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin seed
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Grind the whole spices, then combine with the rest of the spices in a bowl and mix well. You'll have some cure leftover for making other smoked meats.
- Inspect the lamb shoulder and gauge how much fat there is. If I see large pockets of fat 1 inch or more deep I like to trim them down with a knife. I usually discard the trim or use it as a dog treat.
- Season the lamb shoulder with the salt all over on each side-this will take about 1.5-2 Tablespoons of cure. Wrap the shoulder in cling film and allow to rest in the fridge overnight.
- On a baking sheet, rub the lamb shoulder with the oil. Wipe your hands dry, then season the lamb all over with about 2 tablespoons of the dry rub.
- Place the lamb in a smoker and cook at 250 F for 3 hours, then wrap in parchment paper like a present and cook for at another two hours, or until the meat is tender when pierced and shreds when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the shoulder from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes, then slice with a knife, or pull the meat from the shoulder blade and shred with two forks.
Shredding for pulled meat
- Shred the meat and season with salt, pepper, and oil to taste, mixing well and adjusting the seasoning until it tastes good to you. Serve hot with toasted buns and coleslaw for a great smoked lamb barbecue sandwich.
Slicing as a roast
- Slice the meat and serve as you would roast lamb with seasonal vegetables. Sometimes I like to add horseradish sauce on the side.
Notes
Wrapping in parchment
Wrapping in parchment is optional, if you don't have any parchment, put the shoulder in a baking dish with a lid and enough water to barely cover the bottom of the dish. Put the lid on and cook, covered until the meat is fork-tender. Or you can wrap the lamb in aluminum foil.Internal temperature
Some recipes may call for cooking to a specific temperature. I don't advise this as it can be tough.Nutrition