What is the difference between the meat of lamb and goat?
The difference between goat and lamb is the distinct tastes and textures. Goat meat is more lean tougher and gamier in comparison to lamb. This means that every kind of meat can be cooked and served in different ways.
Meat has been used for many years, including lamb and goat meats but why aren’t they as well-known? The majority of people living in the western world haven’t had the pleasure of tasting or even seeing them on a restaurant’s menu.
In today’s unique article, we’ll be taking an overview of all things lamb and goat.
We’ll be comparing the nutritional content of these two foods as well as discussing their distinct cooking and preparation methods and the way they are served, and the food you can prepare them with.
What’s The Difference Between Goat and Lamb Meat?
As we’ve established the primary distinction between lamb and goat flesh is what animal they’re from. It may seem simple to others, but most regions of the globe do not have access to these kinds of meats.
It’s similar to mutton and lamb and both are the same animal but at different times – it is a bit difficult if nobody has ever explained the concept to you. But that’s the reason we’re here!
It’s surprising that both lamb and goat meats are equally popular as beef across the world. They’re even more popular in certain countries, in fact.
Terminology of Goat & Lamb Meat
It’s crucial to understand them so that you don’t get confused by the various meats you can find in the aisle of your grocery store.
The meat of younger goats is called cabrito, or capretto. The meat of older goats is known as “chevon”. In the majority of countries, the meat of goats is simply labeled as goat meat or goat.
Lambs and sheep are identical animals, but there’s a lot of confusion about the terms used to describe sheep meat.
A sheep older than one year is referred to as a lamb. The meat of a cheep that is 2 years old or more old is referred to as the hogget and older sheep meat is known as Mutton.
Mutton is a word that is commonly used in certain regions of the world (mostly in South Asia and the Caribbean) to refer to both sheep and goat meat. In other places, it is typically used to describe only meat from sheep that are mature.
What Is Goats Meat?
Let’s begin with goat meat. Goat meat is an amazingly well-known meat in the world, often being regarded as to be a specialty in some regions and a common ingredient in many.
Goat meat is consumed almost everywhere, except for America, Canada, and Northern Europe, with a small number of exceptions in special markets.
Over time, it has grown so well-known that even restaurants with fine dining have started to include it on their menus.
If we could dive into every traditional food made with goat’s meat, we’d be capable of filling the shelves of a library.
Goat dishes that are worthy of a mention:
- Curried Goat A curry popularized by many countries, including Jamaica, Nepal, and Indonesia.
- Jerk-seasoned Goat A new twist on jerk chickens, typically using Jamaican spices
- Mutton Biryani– A traditional Indian curry-like dish that is served over spiced rice.
- Sate Kambing Sate Kambing A traditional Indonesian dish made with goat skewered meat
- Sukuti – Goat jerky made in Nepal
- Spaghetti Bolognese and Lasagne is sometimes substituted in place of beef , in Italy
- Seco de Chivo Seco de Chivo – An Ecuadorian stew that is served with yellow rice , which is typically served at occasions when it is not served.
- Boodog Boodog – A Mongolian roast made with the whole goat stuffed with meat that has been cooked in its skin
Goat meat is used in many recipes. It’s not widely known as meat that is processed like pork or beef is. It is ground up and turned into patties or sausages but that’s the extent.
The discovery of goat deli meats or even sausages processed with goat meat isn’t common and is likely to be located in the country from which they originate.
Goat dishes that are popular throughout Northern America:
- Spicy goat curry on basmati rice
- Barbeque goat meat Skewers (from the shoulder cut)
- Whole goat leg roasted on a bed of mixed vegetable
- Burritos made with goat meat (using goat’s flesh instead of pork, chicken, or beef)
- Goat Ragu
- Onion rings, Goat Burgers, and fries
Although there are a few stores that sell goat’s meat, it’s not a typical meat product in North America, with customers typically preferring lighter and less gamey-looking meats.
What Is Lambs Meat?
Lamb meat is more popular around the globe than goat, and this is the reason there are many dishes that you may have heard of or perhaps tried.
Lamb meat is used in the preparation of and cooked in a similar way as goat meat.
In general grilling or slow-cooking one of these types of meats is the most effective way to bring out the flavor and keep the moisture.
Lamb dishes that are traditional and worthy of a mention:
- Grilled Lamb Leg in Kettle – The most popular dish of Australia is often served at occasions when it is served.
- Lamb Satay and Lamb Curry – Very popular dishes from Indonesia and in various regions of India
- Bamboo Shoot Currymade by using lamb, and can be used throughout Minang and Thai food
- Jingisukan – It’s one of the most popular dishes that is very popular in Hokkaido, Japan, even the fact that lamb isn’t the primary ingredient in this dish. The dish is made of thinly cut grilled meat that is that is served with vegetables and mushrooms.
- Haggis – It’s a classic Scottish dish made with the lamb’s offal (heart and lungs as well as other trimmings) put into the stomach of the lamb, and then cooked
- Lamb Sweetbread – Lamb’s pancreas or thymus gland, it’s an extremely well-known and traditional dish in diverse cuisines from around the world.
Lamb can be utilized as a substitute for beef and is therefore used in nearly every meat dish.
Lamb dishes that are popular throughout Northern America:
- Lamb Chops
- Lamb lasagne
- Lamb stew
- Lamb ribs from Rack topped with barbecue sauce that is sticky
- Slowly roasted lamb leg in cabernet sauvignon
- Slow-braised lamb shanks braised in lamb with vegetables
They are much more frequent than those made from goat meat. They are typically less spicy and savory than dishes made with goats.
Lamb chops are perhaps the most loved meat dish served across North America, which is why we’ve written articles about as well the freezing and warming leftover lamb chops.
How Goat and Lamb Are Cooked?
These red meats are cooked in many methods, with some being superior to other methods. Before discussing the specific cooking methods that work most suitable for each of these meats, let’s take a look at the temperatures for cooking each.
The Temperatures of Cooking
For goat or lamb cuts, such as steaks or chops or chops, etc. The minimum temperature inside must exceed 160°F. The meats do not have a rare, medium and well-done scale-like beef has.
The ground versions of the types of meats and all dishes that require it, such as meatloaf for example must be a minimum of 145°F (63C) internally.
Cooking Methods
We believe that the best way to cook the meats is to cook them in stews or curries – any dish that has an extended and long cooking time.
When the meals are prepared in sauces or marinades they soften and are tasty, and all flavors of ingredients and the meat combine perfectly.
Lamb meat contains a lot of fat and is gamier in flavor than real meat. If you’re not a fan of the gamey flavor of meat, cut any fat that you can prior to cooking. It is also the cause of the lamb’s distinctive smell.
The fat can add a creamy and rich flavor to the dish you’re cooking and we highly recommend adding it to your curry or stew.
Goat is also renowned for its gamier taste and also for its unique flavor that some people consider barn-like. Even if you’re not the biggest lover of cheese or goat milk eating goat in your dishes is a completely different experience.
Certain cuts require cooking at high temperatures. The most common are the cuts that are thin that have little meat.
The Best Cooking Methods According to Cut
| Section | The most common cut | The most effective cooking method |
| Neck | Neck chops, neck rosette, neck fillet roast | Any slow cooking technique such as stews, roasting, braising |
| Shoulder | Bone-in shoulder forequarter chop | Any slow cooking technique including stews, roasting braising |
| Rib | Rib racks cutlets of ribs | Fast cooking and high heat methods grilling, pan-frying, barbecuing |
| Loin | Chops of loin, tenderloin eye of the loin | Fast cooking and high heat methods grilling, pan-frying, barbecuing |
| Leg | Bone-in leg, bone-in leg, easy to carve leg | Searing and roasting |
| Hindshank | Shank Drumstick | Any slow cooking technique such as stews, roasting, braising |
| Flank | Ribs | Grilling and roasting |
| Breast | Ribs | Grilling and roasting |
| Foreshank | Shank drumstick | Any slow cooking technique such as stews, roasting, braising |
The more mature the meat, particularly mutton, is the more difficult and fattier it is, so when you’re not sure the best way to cook it you should choose a slower cooking technique such as stewing or braising.
This will help break down the connective tissue and reduce the meat’s elasticity.
The Most Effective Side Dishes
Of course, various recipes will come with their own natural pairings but here are our top-rated sides that work perfectly with any lamb or goat dish.
1. Carbs
Carbs are, and will always be the ideal accompaniment for any dish of meat. The type of carbs you select will depend on the kind of meat dish that you are cooking.
Let’s say you’re making an aromatic stew. The ideal carbohydrate to accompany it is a soft loaf of bread that is able to absorb all the liquids.
The majority of carb-rich food items contain a neutral taste and texture, which only helps to enhance the flavor of the main meal.
There’s a broad selection of varieties of rice or rice mix to choose from to complement your particular dish. You can, for instance, pair simple rice and a spicy stew, or opt for an extremely tasty spiced rice that comes with a simply roasted meat cut.
Bread is also a great accompanying dish. It is not just used as a dish to serve with a side and is an excellent serving vessel. It can be served to serve it as a side dish, or you can make an encasement, quesadilla or wrap filled pita, or any other thing you can imagine.
Lastly, potatoes! They’re as versatile as the universe itself. It is easy to create numerous dishes using this single vegetable.
Pick a texture that can enhance the meat you’re serving. For instance, crisp potatoes served with a soft stew, or mash them with chops.
2. Vegetables
Vegetables are a diverse group that you can spice in any way you want. If your food doesn’t include vegetables, it’s recommended to include them on the side.
Vegetables can be prepared in various ways. But make sure that the flavor and textures are in line with those of the main dish.
It is possible to use simple vegetables and roast, blanch deep-fry, stir fry or even steam them. It is also possible to make use of these vegetables in other dishes for your side. For example, you can make veggie rice, noodles, or:
3. Salad
The last one is a classic salad. It could be a simple salad, such as the traditional Greek salad Garden salad or that is more sophisticated like pasta salad.
You can prepare a hot as well as a cold one, depending on what you prefer, so you can fit it into the entire food.
Salads can be refreshing, particularly when they are served alongside a heavier and rich meal such as curry or Red Wine Stew. It’s a great option to balance the entire dish without overwhelming the main.
Nutrient Content
The meats of lamb and goat can be classified under red meats. They can be either free-range or standard depending upon where they originate from. The majority of these are free-range because the animals require minimal maintenance and huge areas of pasture.
Goat meat is believed to be one of the most nutritious meats to eat since it is extremely low in fat and calories and also has a high percentage of protein.
In comparison to goat’s meat, lamb contains almost double the amount of fat and calories even though it’s an adequate amount of protein but it’s still not up to the amount of goat.
None of these meats contain sugars, carbohydrates, or fiber. When you look at the minerals and vitamins these meats have there are some variations.
Comparison of Goat and Lamb Nutrition
You can observe in the graph below, even though goat meat is less in fat and calories in general – it is also less nutritious, but not significantly.
| 100g of Cooked Goat | 100g of Cooked Lamb | |
| Calories | 143 | 294 |
| The total fat | 3 g | 21 G |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 97 mg |
| Sodium | 86 mg | 72 mg |
| Potassium | 405 mg | 315 mg |
| All Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 27 g | 25 grams |
| Vitamin A | 0% | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine | 0% | 5% |
| Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin | 20% | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0% | 0% |
| Calcium | 1% | 1% |
| Iron | 20% | 10% |
| Magnesium | 0% | 5% |
