Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Shoulder

Smoked Texas Style

When you're looking for something a little different for your barbecue sandwiches, this lamb is as easy to cook as it is mind-blowing.

Complexity icon

Complexity

Nice and Easy

Prep Time icon

Prep Time

0 H 20 M

Appliance icon

Appliance

Smoker

Cook Time icon

Cook Time

9 H 0 M

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Let’s Cook

Ingredients:

  • Lamb Shoulder

    About 2kg / 5 lb recommended Bone in recommended Should be thawed to fridge temperature before starting cook

  • Salt to Taste

    Salt flakes recommended

  • Black Pepper to Taste

    Freshly ground recommended

  • Tools:

  • Smoker Fuel

    Hickory or oak recommended

  • Foil

  • Shredding Claws

    Large forks can be used

  • Large Knife

    Chef's knife or boning knife recommended

  • Dish Towel

  • Cutting Board

  • Heat-Resistant Gloves

  • About This Recipe:

    Pulled meats--boy, that's weird to say out loud, isn't it?--are a staple at any barbecue. Everyone loves a good pulled meat sandwich, but what happens when they need a break from pulled pork or chicken, and are clamoring for something different? Lamb shoulder is insanely juicy and delicious when smoked slowly, and it can be shredded just like a classic pork shoulder. In true Texas style, our recipe uses a simple salt and pepper seasoning so you can let the taste of the meat speak for itself. We won't lie to you, lamb is going to be more expensive than other pulled meats. That's why it's extra important to have the right tools to make sure you'll end up with tender meat and a perfect crust. What are the "right tools"? We're so glad you asked! MEATER will keep you updated with the internal temperature, and can even give you a heads up when to wrap, so you can pull off a pulled lamb that will blow everyone away. If you're dropping the money on a nice lamb shoulder, chances are you're doing it because you like the flavor, which means you don't want to distract from it with overwhelming sides or sauces. We recommend serving it on Texas toast with a simple side of fresh vegetables or coleslaw. Cold beer is a classic at a barbecue, and a citrusy beer like an IPA will be best for balancing out the flavor of the lamb.

    Cooking Method:

  • 1

    Pre-Heat Smoker

    Pre-heat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). This can take up to 15m.

    Low and slow cooking keeps more moisture in the meat, which is especially important since you'll be removing the fat from the top of your lamb. A longer cooking time is also the key to a nice and crispy bark on the outside of the meat.

  • 2

    Trim Excess Fat

    Trim the fat and silverskin from the top of your lamb.

    Obviously you need some fat in the meat if you want to end up with really succulent lamb. The trouble is, not all lamb shoulders are created equal, and some have extra fat on them or just haven't been trimmed as much by the butcher. When you've got a super chunky and hard layer, it isn't actually going to render while you're cooking. Trimming off this extra fat and getting rid of the silverskin also makes it easier for the smoky flavor to get into the meat.

  • 3

    Season Lamb

    Sprinkle salt and pepper all over and pat it in.

  • 4

    Select MEATER Device

    Connect your MEATER device if you have one available.

    When you follow this recipe in the MEATER app, this is the part where you’ll choose the MEATER device you want to use. This is our favorite way to do it, because all of the cook times, rest times, and alerts are built right in, and less temperature checking means more time to chill.

  • 5

    Insert MEATER Probe

    Put your probe in the center of the thickest part of the lamb shoulder, staying away from the large bones.

    You've probably noticed that we really like talking about probe placement, but that's just because it's the single greatest key to an accurate cook. If the probe isn't in the thickest part of the meat, or isn't inserted to halfway between the minimum depth notch and the black ceramic piece, the cook time estimate may be off and your food might not turn out the way you like it.

  • Step-By-Step Videos

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    Pre-Heat Smoker

    Pre-heat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). This can take up to 15m.

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    2. Prep

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    3. Cook

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