What is Mutton?

In a classic Seinfeld episode, Jerry's date serves a platter of her family's mutton recipe, asking, 'Everybody like mutton?' Jerry spends the rest of the scene pretending to enjoy it, hiding the meat in his napkin and pockets. Later, George asks Jerry what the dish was, to which Jerry responds, 'I don't know, and I didn't want to find out.'

What is Mutton?

A sheep younger than one year is known as lamb, while a sheep in its second year is called hogget. Mutton refers to the meat of sheep older than two years. Mutton was once more common in the U.S., but its popularity waned in the early 1900s as people began favoring lighter meats like beef and pork.

Interest in mutton has resurged, with many fine dining restaurants and casual eateries featuring it on their menus. The terms lamb, hogget, and mutton all refer to meat from sheep at different ages. Mutton is a staple across Europe, where it shines in slow-cooked dishes, often paired with bold and aromatic spices.

In the early 20th century, mutton was a common staple in the U.S., but its popularity sharply declined after World War II. Recently, mutton has been making a resurgence, shedding its old image as a cheap and tough meat. More and more environmentally-conscious consumers are choosing mutton as a sustainable meat option, which has led to increased demand from farmers and butchers.

Mutton vs. Lamb

Mutton is often described as having a robust, grassy flavor that some may find gamey. Lamb, on the other hand, is known for its milder, tender taste. When it comes to cooking, mutton is a richer, more flavorful choice, especially when slow-cooked, while lamb offers a more delicate flavor and tender cuts. The size and color of mutton cuts are typically larger and darker than those of lamb.

Lamb is prized for its tenderness and subtle flavor, making it a popular choice among consumers. It’s often used in recipes that call for tender cuts, ranging from rare to medium-rare preparations. Lamb can also be prepared as ground meat, shank, or stew. The choice between mutton and lamb really depends on the recipe and personal taste preferences.

How to Cook Mutton

Find the recipe: Lamb Tagine

To unlock the full flavor of mutton, it needs to be cooked properly. Slow-cooking or braising mutton at low heat for several hours helps tenderize the meat. This process breaks down the tough fibers and connective tissue, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful cut.

Marinating mutton is a great way to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The marinade not only softens the meat but also adds complex flavor layers. If you're short on time, salt can be a quick fix to improve the texture. Many mutton recipes might even offer lamb as an alternative, should you prefer it.

Can lamb replace mutton in a recipe? Absolutely. Since both mutton and lamb come from the same animal, they share similar cuts of meat. However, lamb cuts tend to be smaller because the animal is younger and smaller in size. If you're substituting lamb for mutton in a recipe, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.