What is Mutton Shoulder?
How to Cook Mutton Shoulder: Mutton shoulder is a cut that includes the shoulder, part of the front leg, and the upper section of the rib cage. From our native breed, grass-fed sheep, mutton shoulder offers a beautifully rich and deep flavour, reflecting the varied, nutrient-dense pastures upon which the sheep graze. Mutton refers to sheep aged over three years, and this longer life imparts a distinct, robust flavour that’s unique compared to the more delicate taste of younger lamb.
How Long to Cook Mutton Shoulder?
The age of mutton brings a fuller, more complex flavour, though it also means the meat benefits from slow cooking to achieve tenderness. This is especially important for the shoulder, with its multiple muscles and ample connective tissue. Slow-roasted in a low oven, a mutton shoulder typically takes 6-8 hours to reach that tender, fall-apart texture, followed by a further hour to rest.
The Best Way to Cook Mutton Shoulder
To slow-roast a shoulder of mutton:
- Remove the shoulder from the fridge and its packaging, then season generously with sea salt.
- Preheat your oven to 120℃.
- Peel and slice three onions, then lay them in the bottom of your roasting tray along with sprigs of rosemary, crushed garlic cloves, and a large glass of white wine.
- Place the mutton shoulder on top of the onions and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Transfer the shoulder to the oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone. Baste the shoulder with the liquid from the tray every hour.
- Once cooked, remove the shoulder from the oven, cover with greaseproof paper, and leave to rest for at least 1-hour.
- Using a spoon and fork, pull the meat apart from the bone and serve.
Top Tips When Cooking Mutton Shoulder
- Mutton pairs beautifully with bold flavours, so seasoning or marinating the meat overnight is highly recommended.
- Skim the fat from the roasting tray’s liquid, season with a splash of vinegar and a little extra salt if needed, and use this as a flavourful gravy.
- If the shoulder starts to look overly dark or dry, cover it with a layer of parchment paper followed by tin foil to retain moisture.
Mutton Shoulder Recipes
For a delicious twist, try Valentine Warner’s recipe for Mutton Shoulder with Bitter Herbs and Honey, available on our journal. This dish, inspired by the rugged landscapes of the Greek islands, combines the richness of slow-cooked mutton with a honey glaze and the freshness of bitter herbs. Alternatively, a mutton shoulder is ideal for an ambitious curry: season with black cardamom, curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes, then slow roast until the spices infuse into every layer of the meat. For a traditional Sunday roast, a slow-cooked mutton shoulder never fails to impress. Add carrots to the roasting tray halfway through for extra sweetness, and serve with crispy roast potatoes, buttered peas, and a classic mint sauce for a comforting, flavour-packed meal.
These recipes showcase the rich, deep flavour of mutton shoulder, making it a standout choice for adventurous and traditional dishes alike.
