Ask Difference

Lamb vs. Mutton — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 9, 2024
Lamb is the meat from young sheep, tender and mild in flavor, while mutton is from older sheep, offering a stronger taste and firmer texture.
Lamb vs. Mutton — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Lamb and Mutton

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Lamb refers to the meat from sheep that are typically less than one year old, known for its tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This makes lamb a popular choice in various cuisines for dishes that require delicate, easily cooked meats. Mutton, on the other hand, comes from sheep that are over one year old, often between 2 to 3 years or older, and has a much stronger flavor and tougher texture. The distinct taste of mutton is appreciated in certain culinary traditions, where it's often slow-cooked to tenderize the meat.
The nutritional content of lamb and mutton differs slightly, with lamb generally having a lower fat content and being slightly higher in protein. This makes lamb a preferable option for those looking for leaner meat options. Mutton, while richer in fat, offers a depth of flavor that can enhance various dishes, particularly those that are stewed or braised.
Culinary uses of lamb and mutton vary significantly across cultures. Lamb is often found in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and some European cuisines, used in dishes ranging from grilled kebabs to roasted legs of lamb. Mutton is more commonly used in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and British cuisines, in dishes like curries, stews, and pies, where its stronger flavor complements the spices and cooking methods used.
The choice between lamb and mutton can also be influenced by cultural preferences and traditions. In some cultures, lamb is preferred for its tenderness and mild flavor, suitable for special occasions and finer dishes. In others, mutton is valued for its fuller flavor and suitability for traditional recipes that require slow cooking and robust spices.
Both lamb and mutton offer various cuts, including chops, shoulders, legs, and shanks, each suited to different cooking methods. Lamb cuts are generally more tender and suitable for faster cooking methods like grilling and roasting, while mutton cuts often require longer cooking times to achieve tenderness, making them ideal for slow-cooked dishes.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Age of Sheep

Less than 1 year old
Over 1 year old, typically 2-3 years or older

Flavor

Mild, slightly sweet
Strong, distinctive

Texture

Tender
Tougher

Nutritional Content

Lower fat, higher in protein
Higher fat content

Culinary Uses

Grilled, roasted, used in delicate dishes
Slow-cooked, used in robust, spicy dishes

Compare with Definitions

Lamb

Meat from young sheep, valued for its tenderness.
The lamb chops were grilled to perfection.

Mutton

Requires longer cooking times to tenderize.
The mutton stew was slow-cooked to achieve the perfect tenderness.

Lamb

Features a mild flavor, ideal for subtle seasoning.
The rack of lamb was seasoned with just rosemary and garlic.

Mutton

Integral to traditional dishes in various cultures.
Mutton pies are a classic in British cuisine.

Lamb

Popular in a variety of cuisines for its versatility.
Lamb kebabs are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Mutton

Comes from older sheep, known for its strong flavor.
The mutton curry simmered for hours to enhance its taste.

Lamb

Preferred for special occasions in many cultures.
A leg of lamb is often served at Easter dinners.

Mutton

Often used in dishes with bold spices and flavors.
Spicy mutton biryani is a beloved dish in South Asian cuisine.

Lamb

Leaner meat option, suitable for healthier dishes.
Lamb stir-fry is a great option for a lean protein meal.

Mutton

Offers a richer fat content, adding depth to dishes.
The fat in the mutton added richness to the gravy.

Lamb

A young sheep.

Mutton

The flesh of fully grown sheep.

Lamb

(of a ewe) give birth to lambs
Shetland sheep lamb very easily

Mutton

The flesh of sheep used as food.

Lamb

Encourage someone to squander their money, especially on alcohol
Pitt had been lambed down at the Pig and Whistle

Mutton

The flesh of goat used as food.

Lamb

A young sheep, especially one that is not yet weaned.

Mutton

(archaic) A sheep.

Lamb

The flesh of a young sheep used as meat.

Mutton

Em, a unit of measurement equal to the height of the type in use.

Lamb

Lambskin.

Mutton

A prostitute.
Laced mutton

Lamb

A sweet, mild-mannered person; a dear.

Mutton

(historical) An old Anglo-French gold coin impressed with the image of a lamb.

Lamb

One who can be duped or cheated especially in financial matters.

Mutton

(Cockney rhyming slang) deaf.

Lamb

Lamb(Christianity) Jesus.

Mutton

A sheep.
Not so much ground as will feed a mutton.
Muttons, beeves, and porkers are good old words for the living quadrupeds.

Lamb

To give birth to a young sheep.

Mutton

The flesh of a sheep.
The fat of roasted mutton or beef.

Lamb

A young sheep.

Mutton

A loose woman; a prostitute.
I willingly return to my muttons.

Lamb

The flesh of a lamb or sheep used as food.

Mutton

Meat from a mature domestic sheep

Lamb

(figuratively) A person who is meek, docile and easily led.

Mutton

The square of a body of any size of type

Lamb

A simple, unsophisticated person.

Lamb

One who ignorantly speculates on the stock exchange and is victimized.

Lamb

(slang) A fan of American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer Mariah Carey (born 1969).

Lamb

(intransitive) Of a sheep, to give birth.

Lamb

To assist (sheep) to give birth.
The shepherd was up all night, lambing her young ewes.

Lamb

The young of the sheep.

Lamb

Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb.

Lamb

A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized.
The twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Lamb

To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep.

Lamb

Young sheep

Lamb

English essayist (1775-1834)

Lamb

A person easily deceived or cheated (especially in financial matters)

Lamb

A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)

Lamb

The flesh of a young domestic sheep eaten as food

Lamb

Give birth to a lamb;
The ewe lambed

Common Curiosities

How can you tenderize mutton effectively?

Slow-cooking, marinating, and using tenderizing agents like yogurt or papaya can help make mutton more tender.

Can you substitute lamb for mutton in recipes?

While substitution is possible, it's important to adjust cooking times and methods, as lamb is more tender and cooks faster than mutton.

Is mutton healthier than lamb?

Lamb is generally leaner and higher in protein, but both can be part of a healthy diet when prepared properly.

Why is mutton preferred in certain cuisines?

Mutton's stronger flavor complements the robust spices and slow-cooking methods common in cuisines like South Asian and Middle Eastern.

How does the age of the sheep affect the flavor of the meat?

Older sheep (mutton) have a more developed, stronger flavor compared to the mild taste of younger sheep (lamb).

What cuts of lamb are most prized?

Loin chops, racks, and leg of lamb are among the most prized cuts for their tenderness and flavor.

Why is mutton less common in American cuisine?

American culinary traditions have favored the milder taste and tenderness of lamb, making mutton less common.

Is mutton always tough?

Mutton is tougher than lamb but can be made tender through correct cooking methods like stewing or braising.

How do you store lamb and mutton to maintain freshness?

Both should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer, with proper wrapping to prevent air exposure.

Why is lamb more expensive than mutton?

Lamb is often more expensive due to its tender meat and the shorter rearing period, making it less available than mutton.

What's the best cooking method for lamb to retain its tenderness?

Grilling, roasting, or quick searing are ideal methods for cooking lamb to retain its tenderness.

Are there any cultural significances attached to lamb or mutton?

Yes, both meats have cultural significance in various traditions, often related to celebrations, festivals, and traditional dishes.

How can the environmental impact of raising sheep for lamb and mutton be mitigated?

Sustainable farming practices, including managed grazing and reducing waste, can help mitigate the environmental impact.

What are some popular lamb dishes around the world?

Popular dishes include Mediterranean lamb shanks, Middle Eastern lamb kebabs, and British roast lamb.

Can lamb and mutton be used interchangeably in all recipes?

They can be substituted for each other, but the dish's flavor and texture might change due to their differences.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Slat vs. Louver
Next Comparison
Soup vs. Bisque

Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms