Cuts of Lamb - From Cheapest to Most Expensive | Lamb Shopping Guide

Different lamb cuts and how to cook them

Whether you’re trying to feed a family of four or cook a special meal for guests, you’ll find a cut of lamb for every need and budget. From succulent lamb shoulder chops for weekday meals to diced lamb for curries, lamb rack to wine and dine or roast lamb leg for family weekend get-togethers. Read below the best types of lamb cuts to suit your needs, plus the best way to cook each one..

Choosing the best lamb cuts for your budget (and how to cook them)

There are more than twenty different cuts of lamb available but here are 12 of our favourites. The table below explains the qualities of each cut, how much you can expect to pay per kilo and the best cooking methods.

Lamb CutAvg. Cost Per Kilo*QualitiesBest Cooking Methods
Lamb shoulder chops$16.99Bone in. Lamb shoulder is the fattiest lamb cut with deep fat marbling throughout. Succulent, rich flavour when slow cooked and braised.Roast/Grill/Braise/Stew/Slow cook
Lamb leg $19.99Bone in. Lean, meaty and tender once external fat is removed. High meat content makes it very good value for feeding a crowd. Roast/Grill/Braise/Slow cook
Lamb shank$19.99Bone in. Rich, flavourful meat benefits from slow, moist cooking.Braising/Stewing/Slow Cooking
Lamb sausages

$22.99Processed lamb.Fry/Grill/BBQ
Lamb spare ribs

$19.99

Bone in, tough meat benefits from cutting into 3-rib pieces and marinating overnight before cooking.Roast
Lamb mince$22.99Boneless. The most versatile form of lamb as it can be used to create a variety of dishes like burgers, meatballs and pies.Pan fry/Boil/Bake
Diced lambN/ATrimmed boneless chunks of lamb ready to cook and very convenient.Casserole/Stew/Slow cooker
Lamb rumpN/ABone in. Regarded as the juiciest piece of lamb, with delicious tender meat.Roast/Grill/Pan sear
Butterflied leg N/ABoneless cut. Convenient, easy to cook.Grill/Roast/BBQ
Lamb leg steak$41.99Boneless. Easy to cook, tender, flavourful. Grill/Pan sear/BBQ
Lamb rack$65.99Bone in. Elegantly presented lamb rack is sure to impress but is also pricey. Tender, premium-quality lean meat is perfect for special occasions. Roast/Grill/Pan sear
Lamb loin/backstrap $29.99Boneless. Tender, succulent, lean, well-marbled and quick to cook. Lamb loin is the healthiest cut of lamb and the priciest. Grill/Pan sear/Roast

* Approximate cost only, Prices taken from paknsave.co.nz (Albany, Lincoln Road & Whangarei stores) on 05.09.25

Shop lamb

More lamb shopping guides

AdobeStock_398430823

What to consider when buying lamb

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the best time of year to buy lamb, what the labels mean, and making sure you buy good quality. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_682845994

Frozen lamb vs. fresh

Whether you buy fresh or frozen lamb you can still cook up a delicious meal. There aren’t many differences between the two but here are a few things to think about when you’re at the supermarket.

AdobeStock_167957905

How long can cooked lamb last in the fridge

Cooked lamb can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It should be covered & cooled rapidly, then stored in an airtight container on the middle shelf of the fridge within 2 hours. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_79661166

How long can raw lamb last in the fridge?

Store raw lamb cuts on the bottom shelf or the coldest part of the fridge for up to 2 days. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_439015459

How long can lamb last in the freezer?

Raw lamb can be kept in the freezer for 2 to 6 months depending on the cut. Read more quick tips for storing lamb below.

AdobeStock_385617998

Can you freeze cooked lamb?

Cooked lamb and leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shred or dice the lamb before freezing. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_241498484

Reheating lamb

The most effective methods for reheating lamb are in a microwave, on the hob and in the oven. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_169180246

Defrosting lamb

The safest way to defrost lamb is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. You can use the microwave but ensure the temperature of the meat does not rise above 5℃. Read the guide.

AdobeStock_233418774

How to cook frozen lamb

Lamb can be cooked from frozen but the question to ask yourself is why would you want to do that? It requires longer to cook, can result in uneven cooking, loss of tenderness and pale meat? Read the guide.

Bone-in-lamb-1

Lamb portion sizes

Our handy reference table will help you to buy just the right amount of lamb for your family meal. Read Guide.

Lamb-leg-cooked-2

Roast leg of lamb

A practical guide to buying, storing and perfectly cooking roast leg of lamb, with recipes for butterflied, slow cooked and barbecued lamb.

AdobeStock_289358013

How to Cook Perfect Lamb Shoulder Chops

A practical guide to buying, storing and perfectly cooking lamb chops, with recipe ideas for the slow cooker, barbecue and more.

1 / 0