25 May Best Cuts of Lamb for Grilling

Flavorful lamb cuts for weeknight dinners, cookouts, and backyard gatherings

When the weather warms up, lamb is a natural fit for the grill. Its rich, savory flavor pairs beautifully with smoke, char, fresh herbs, citrus, garlic, and seasonal produce. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, there’s a lamb cut that fits the occasion.

Loin Chops and Shoulder Chops

Quick-cooking, flavorful, and perfect for the grill.

Loin chops are tender and elegant, while shoulder chops offer a rich, hearty flavor that works especially well with marinades.

Ground Lamb

Ground lamb is a go-to choice for burgers, sliders, kofta, and meatballs. It is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for relaxed summer meals.

Because it cooks quickly, ground lamb works well for weeknight dinners and backyard gatherings alike.

Kabob or Stew Meat

Kabob or stew meat is ideal for skewers with fresh vegetables. Try pairing lamb with peppers, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, or mushrooms.

These bite-sized cuts cook quickly on the grill. They also make lamb feel approachable and easy to serve when entertaining.

Leg of Lamb

Leg of lamb is a great option when you’re feeding a crowd. You can grill it whole, butterfly it, or cut it into smaller pieces for kabobs or lamb steaks.

This cut brings a festive feel to the table while still working beautifully for outdoor cooking.

Rack of Lamb and Lamb Ribs

Perfect when you want something a little more impressive. Rack of lamb creates a beautiful presentation, while lamb ribs bring rich, savory flavor that works well with slower grilling.

For best results, bring lamb to room temperature before cooking, use a meat thermometer, let it rest after grilling, and slice against the grain when serving. American Lamb recommends pulling lamb from the grill about 10 degrees below your desired final temperature, since the internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Looking for local lamb for your next cookout?

Explore the California Lamb buying guide and find lamb near you.