If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal, look no further than lamb breast! In this article, I’ll show you how to cook a scrumptious breast of lamb in the oven. You’ll also learn about the best cooking method for lamb, the differences between lamb breast, lamb belly, and lamb rib, calorie information, and more. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible taste of lamb breast recipes!
Cooking Lamb Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
In my opinion, the best way to cook lamb breast is by braising it in the oven. Follow these simple instructions to prepare a mouthwatering breast of lamb:
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149C).
- If you have a split lamb breast, cut each piece in half. Remove any silver skin from the back of the rack. Cut the carrot, onion, and potato into large chunks.
- Heat some oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat on the stovetop. Brown the lamb for 5-10 minutes, turning to brown both sides.
- Add rosemary, thyme, and chicken broth to the pot. If the broth isn’t salty enough, add some salt and pepper. Place the carrot, onion, and potato around the lamb pieces.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let the lamb breast braise in the oven for 2 hours at 300F (149C). Then, remove the cover, increase the heat to 425F (218C), and roast for an additional 15 minutes. The lamb will be tender and pull away from the bone.
- After cooking, let the lamb breast rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, separate the ribs and serve.
Ingredients for the Perfect Lamb Breast Recipe
To make a delicious lamb breast dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3-3½ lbs. (1.36-1.59 kg) lamb breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 carrot
- ½ onion
- ½ potato
You’ll also need a large cast-iron Dutch oven and a pair of tongs for flipping the lamb breast. Don’t worry about using a meat thermometer for this recipe since the lamb will cook over an extended period.
Where to Find Lamb Breast
Finding lamb breast in U.S. grocery stores can be a challenge, but Super Walmart occasionally stocks it. They offer lamb breast at an unbeatable price, usually around $3.49 per pound. For online options, you might find lamb breast at Thrive Market or US Wellness Meats. Unfortunately, it’s not currently available on Amazon.
Why is Lamb Breast an Affordable Cut?
Lamb breast is an economical choice because it has a higher fat content and less meat compared to other cuts. A cooked piece of lamb breast weighing 9 ounces yields only about 4 ounces of meat, with the rest being fat and bone. Additionally, lamb breast isn’t as popular in the United States, so it tends to be less expensive.
Exploring Lamb Breast: Cuts and Comparisons
Lamb breast, also known as lamb flaps, comes from the underbelly of the lamb. Typically, it is sold as split lamb breast, which means it is halved down the middle. It’s worth noting that lamb breast isn’t suitable for low-fat diets due to its high fat content. However, when cooked correctly, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Cooking Times for Lamb Breast
To achieve the perfect lamb breast texture and flavor, follow these cooking times:
- Bake the lamb breast covered at 300F (149C) for 2 hours.
- Remove the cover and roast for an additional 15 minutes at 425F (218C).
If you prefer to cook on the stovetop, you can cover the lamb breast after searing and simmer it for approximately 1½ hours over medium-low heat. This stovetop method is a great alternative when you don’t want to use the oven.
Don’t Overcook Lamb Breast!
It’s essential to avoid overcooking lamb breast. Slow cooker and sous vide methods reduce the risk of overcooking, but grilling over high heat for too long can result in burnt lamb. However, undercooking is equally undesirable. While color isn’t an accurate indicator of doneness in lamb, the internal temperature is. According to the USDA, lamb breast should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145F (63C). Allow the lamb to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Leftover Lamb Breast and Delicious Side Dishes
If you have any leftover lamb breast, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 400F (200C), or microwave on high for 1½-2 minutes. Lamb breast can also be frozen; simply place it in a freezer bag and remove any excess air.
Wondering what to serve with lamb breast? My personal favorites include mashed potatoes and air fryer frozen vegetables. Additionally, consider these side dish options:
- Protein cornbread
- Herbed potatoes
- Air fryer frozen green beans
- Vegan spinach salad
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables based on your preferences. Add your favorite dried herbs and spices such as sage, parsley, basil, smoked paprika, garlic, or cumin to elevate the flavors. Vary the veggies in the pot, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, red peppers, or butternut squash.
Nutritional Information for Lamb Breast
Wondering about the nutritional content of lamb breast? Here’s the breakdown per 4-ounce (112g) serving:
- Calories: 480
- Total fat: 48g
- Saturated fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total carbohydrate: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Vitamin A: 0% DV
- Vitamin C: 0% DV
- Calcium: 0% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Lamb is a naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free food. Please note that the nutrition information provided is an estimate. The actual values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Don’t fret too much about the numbers, as calorie information on food labels can be inaccurate.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
Is lamb breast healthy? It depends on your goals and preferences. While lamb breast is high in fat and calories, making it unsuitable for low-fat diets, it provides iron, zinc, and various B vitamins. If you’re looking to lose weight, consider opting for leaner cuts of lamb, such as lamb leg, which contains fewer calories.
When it comes to comparing meats, such as chicken and lamb, there’s no definitive answer about which is healthier. It depends on individual health goals, taste preferences, and budget. Similarly, determining whether lamb or steak is healthier requires considering the specific cuts and personal health goals.
Regarding inflammation, the relationship between food and inflammation is still being studied. However, lean cuts of lamb are generally a better choice for reducing inflammation compared to fattier cuts high in saturated fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more lamb-based dinner ideas, try these delicious recipes:
- Roast Lamb in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe (Lamb Loin Chops)
- Lamb Hearts Recipe
- Air Fryer Rack of Lamb (Lamb Ribs Recipe)
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The Disclaimer…
Please remember that all recipes on this website may not be suitable for everyone based on their medical needs and personal preferences. If you require assistance determining the best dietary pattern for you, consult a registered dietitian or your physician.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on specific brands and ingredients. Calorie information on food labels can be unreliable, so don’t stress too much about the numbers.
For more information on using recipes for weight management goals, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Now let’s get cooking!
Recipe
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the recipe in the original article. However, you can check out the Hook’d Up Bar and Grill website for delicious lamb recipes. Hook’d Up Bar and Grill