The Most Popular Lamb Dish, Ranked - StrawPoll (2024)

Lamb chops are a popular cut of meat taken from the rib, loin, or shoulder of a lamb carcass. They are known for their tender and flavorful meat, making them a favorite choice for grilling or pan-frying. The meat is typically marbled with fat, which adds to its rich taste and succulence.

• Cut: Taken from rib, loin, or shoulder
• Tenderness: Tender
• Flavor: Flavorful
• Preparation methods: Grilling, pan-frying
• Meat texture: Soft and juicy

Marbregal·CC BY-SA 3.0

Lamb stew is a traditional and hearty dish that consists of tender pieces of lamb cooked with vegetables and spices in a flavorful broth. It is a popular dish enjoyed by people all around the world.

• Ingredients: Lamb, vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, onions), herbs (such as rosemary, thyme), spices
• Cooking Method: Lamb stew is typically slow-cooked in a pot or a slow cooker to achieve tender meat and enhance the flavors.
• Flavor Profile: The stew has a rich and savory flavor, with the meat being succulent and the broth infused with the aromatic herbs and spices.
• Texture: The lamb becomes fork-tender, and the vegetables are soft yet still retain some texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Lamb stew is often served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Roast lamb is a classic lamb dish that involves slow cooking a whole lamb in an oven or over an open flame. The lamb is typically seasoned with herbs and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The dish is a popular choice for festive occasions and family gatherings, known for its succulent taste and impressive presentation.

• Cooking method: Slow roasting in an oven or over an open flame
• Seasoning: Herbs and spices, such as rosemary, garlic, thyme, and oregano
• Tenderness: The slow cooking process results in tender and juicy meat
• Flavor: The combination of seasoning and slow cooking creates a rich and savory taste
• Presentation: Roast lamb is often served as a centerpiece, making it visually appealing

Lamb curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with tender pieces of lamb cooked in a rich and spicy curry sauce.

• Origin: Indian subcontinent
• Main Ingredients: Lamb, spices, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes
• Spice Level: Moderate to hot
• Cooking Method: Slow-cooked or pressure-cooked
• Key Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder

Abhinaba Basu from Redmond, United States·CC BY 2.0

Shepherd's pie is a classic English dish consisting of a savory meat filling topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, baked until golden and crispy. It is a comforting and hearty meal that originated in the late 18th century.

• Meat filling: Traditionally made with minced or diced lamb as the main protein, though variations with other meats like beef or turkey can also be found.
• Vegetables: Commonly includes diced onions, carrots, and peas, which are sautéed and mixed with the meat.
• Gravy: The meat and vegetables are usually coated in a rich, flavorful gravy made from stock or broth, thickened with flour or cornstarch.
• Mashed potato topping: A generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes is spread on top of the meat and gravy mixture, which creates a golden crust when baked.
• Baking: The assembled pie is baked in the oven until the mashed potato topping is nicely browned and the filling is bubbling.

E4024·CC BY-SA 4.0

Lamb kebabs are a popular dish made from marinated pieces of tender lamb meat that are skewered and grilled to perfection. This dish originates from various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and has gained popularity worldwide.

• Preparation: Marinated lamb pieces are skewered and grilled
• Meat: Tender cuts of lamb
• Flavor: Rich and aromatic due to the marinade
• Spices: Typically seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and onion
• Cooking method: Grilled over an open flame or charcoal

Lamb burgers are a popular lamb dish that uses ground lamb meat to create patties, which are then cooked and served on a bun. The lamb meat is blended with various ingredients and seasonings to add flavor and enhance the taste. Lamb burgers offer a juicy and tender texture with a rich and distinct lamb flavor. They are often enjoyed with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and various sauces.

• Ground Lamb Meat: Ground lamb meat is the primary ingredient used to make lamb burgers. It provides a unique flavor and tenderness.
• Ingredients: Various ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs are added to enhance the flavor and texture of the lamb burgers.
• Seasonings: The lamb meat is seasoned with a combination of spices such as cumin, oregano, paprika, and black pepper to bring out the best flavors.
• Cooking Methods: Lamb burgers can be cooked on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven. Grilling is a popular method as it provides a smoky flavor while keeping the patties moist.
• Bun Selection: Lamb burgers are commonly served on a bun. The choice of bun can vary, including options like sesame seed buns, ciabatta rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Lamb shank is a popular lamb dish that consists of the meat from the lower section of a lamb's leg, specifically the shin bone area. It is known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor. The lamb shank is usually slow-cooked to tenderize the meat and enhance its taste. The dish is often served with a flavorful sauce or gravy, along with vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.

• Cut of Meat: Lower section of a lamb's leg (shin bone area)
• Cooking Method: Slow-cooked
• Tenderness: Melt-in-your-mouth
• Flavor: Rich
• Serving Style: With sauce or gravy, vegetables, and/or mashed potatoes

Lamb kofta is a popular Middle Eastern lamb dish made from ground lamb meat mixed with various herbs, spices, and onions. It is usually shaped into small sausage-like cylinders or patties and then grilled, baked, or pan-fried. The lamb kofta is known for its deliciously spiced flavors and juicy texture.

• Ground Lamb: The dish is made using ground lamb meat.
• Herbs and Spices: Various herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, parsley, mint, and cinnamon are commonly used to season the kofta.
• Onions: Finely chopped onions are added to the mixture for flavor and moisture.
• Shape: Lamb kofta is shaped into small sausage-like cylinders or patties.
• Cooking Methods: The kofta can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried depending on personal preference.

Lamb biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with tender pieces of lamb, basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is layered with saffron-infused rice and slow-cooked meat, resulting in a harmonious combination of flavors. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, mint, and cilantro to enhance its taste and presentation.

• Main Ingredients: Lamb, basmati rice, spices
• Spices: Commonly includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves
• Cooking Method: Layering of partially cooked rice and marinated lamb, followed by slow cooking to allow flavors to infuse
• Aromatic Rice: Typically fragrant basmati rice infused with saffron strands
• Texture: Tender lamb pieces with separate and fluffy rice grains