If you Google “lamb shank” you will find a wide range of recipes for this cut of meat. Some call for stirring it into a stew, others suggest braising it slowly until tender and still others give instructions for roasting the shank whole.
There’s also a lot of confusing information about whether you should buy lamb shoulder or lamb shank when you have the choice, and whether one is better value than the other.
So what’s the difference? When buying lamb cuts, it’s worth knowing that there are two different types of shanks: Lamb Shank (Fractured) and Lamb Shoulder (Whole).
Although both have the word “shank’ in their name they are very different in terms of nutrition, taste, and price. We look at some key differences between these two cuts of lamb to help you decide which to buy next time you visit your local butcher…
here’s a chart comparing the nutritional value of lamb shanks and lamb shoulder per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Lamb Shanks | Lamb Shoulder |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 234 | 258 |
| Protein | 19.5 g | 25.6 g |
| Fat | 16.1 g | 16.9 g |
| Sat. Fat | 6.8 g | 6.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 1.5 mg |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 52 mg |
| Potassium | 282 mg | 296 mg |
| Vit. B6 | 0.2 mg | 0.2 mg |
| Vit. B12 | 1.4 mcg | 1.5 mcg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the source and preparation method. This chart is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional dietary advice.
What’s the difference between Lamb Shank and Lamb Shoulder?
The key difference between the two is that the Lamb Shank is a fractured cut (broken in two) whereas the Lamb Shoulder is a whole cut. Therefore the Lamb Shank is broken into two parts: the shank and the haunch: the haunch is the upper part of the leg.
The Lamb Shoulder is a whole part of the leg. The Lamb Shank is made up of two parts: the shank and the haunch. The shank is the lower foreleg and has three bones in it. The haunch is the upper part of the leg and has two bones in it. The lamb shoulder is a whole part of the leg. It has three bones.
Nutrition: Which is Healthier?
The Lamb Shank is a fractured cut, so it has less meat on it than the whole-cut Lamb Shoulder. Despite this, the nutritional values are almost the same for both cuts.
The lamb shoulder contains more fat and less protein than the lamb shank, but the difference in both is small. The Lamb Shank contains significantly more iron than the lamb shoulder.
Taste Test: Which is Tastier?
As we saw above, nutritional values are almost the same for both cuts. In terms of taste, the Lamb Shank is slightly less flavorsome than the lamb shoulder. This is because it has less fat, which provides much of the flavor in lamb meat. However, both cuts are delicious and are often served roasted or in stews. The lamb shoulder is often used for pulled shoulder, which is a common filling for sandwiches.
Price Check: Which is the Best Value?
The Lamb Shank is a cheaper cut than the Lamb Shoulder. This is because it is a fractured cut, which means that it is broken and as a result, less meat is on it than on the whole Lamb Shoulder.
The Lamb Shank is a fractured cut, so it has less meat on it than the whole-cut Lamb Shoulder. Despite this, the nutritional values are almost the same for both cuts. The Lamb Shank is cheaper than the Lamb Shoulder because it has less meat on it.
Conclusion
There are some significant differences between the two cuts of lamb. The Lamb Shank is a cheaper cut than the Lamb Shoulder but is a little less flavorsome and has less protein.
However, the difference in nutritional values is minimal and there is little in it in terms of taste. If you’re on a budget and want to save money, it might be worth considering the Lamb Shank. On the other hand, if you’re looking to impress with a tasty dish, go for the Lamb Shoulder.
