PULLED LAMB SHOULDER

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Pulled Lamb Shoulder image

This pulled lamb is an homage to the barbecued mutton of Western Kentucky. Smoke the meat over charcoal and wood, not gas. It's bonkers delicious. Or at least make the dry rub that covers the meat and use it to cook something else.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     dinner, barbecues, main course

Time 7h

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 bone-in lamb shoulder, approximately 8 to 10 pounds
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup ground espresso beans
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Potato rolls or hamburger buns, for serving
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup stout, porter or other dark beer
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Place the lamb on a rimmed sheet pan and set aside.
  • For the dry rub, combine the sugar, salt, ground espresso beans, black pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon, cumin and cayenne in a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. You should have approximately 2 cups.
  • Use half of the dry rub to coat all sides of the lamb, making sure to rub it into all the cracks and crevices in the meat. Reserve the remaining dry rub.
  • Heat a smoker to 225 degrees, or set up a grill for smoking, leaving half of the grill area free of coals for wood, or one of the burners off for gas.
  • Place the lamb into the smoker or onto the grill and cook, maintaining a temperature between 225 and 250 degrees, replenishing wood chips or chunks as needed.
  • After approximately 4 hours, begin to check on the lamb every 20 minutes or so. You're looking to be able to tear off a chunk of the meat easily, beneath a thick crust of what's called "bark." The interior temperature of the meat, measured in a thick part not touching bone, will be approximately 185 degrees. The process can take up to 6 hours.
  • Remove the lamb to a clean rimmed sheet pan and set aside to rest.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a medium sauce pan set over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of water with the rest of the ingredients and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to come to a boil, then reduce heat and let thicken slightly, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Using tongs or two forks, begin to pull the lamb apart into pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. When all the lamb has been pulled, taste it, add extra dry rub to taste, and stir to combine. Serve with potato rolls or hamburger buns, with the sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 117, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 171 milligrams, Sugar 17 grams

Almighty Records
[email protected]

This recipe is a great starting point, but I made a few changes to suit my own taste. I added some extra vegetables and used a different type of sauce.


Shaukat Aziz
[email protected]

I don't recommend this recipe. It's a waste of time and money.


Allysson Stone
[email protected]

I was disappointed with this recipe. The lamb was tough and the sauce was bland.


Eyeyeueuee Eheusueue
[email protected]

This recipe is a bit spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I'll probably reduce the amount of chili powder next time.


Van Truck95
[email protected]

I love that this recipe can be made in the slow cooker. It's so easy to just throw everything in and let it cook.


Tiktok Family
[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover lamb. It's a delicious and easy way to make a meal.


Shaban Channa
[email protected]

I made this recipe for my friends and they all raved about it. They couldn't believe I made it myself!


Adaeze Joseph
[email protected]

I'm not a very experienced cook, but I was able to follow this recipe easily. It's very well-written.


Raufon alom Jihad
[email protected]

I love the way the lamb pairs with the sauce. It's a perfect combination.


Sayra Choc
[email protected]

This recipe is perfect for a special occasion. It's elegant and delicious.


Tg munna Chowdhury
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great. It's a keeper!


Jahf Nickug
[email protected]

I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients. It's easy to find everything I need at the grocery store.


RDX Prank
[email protected]

This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender.


delroy Taylor
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of lamb, but this recipe changed my mind. It was so good!


Hassan Noor
[email protected]

I made this for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it.


Bd Likhon Vai
[email protected]

I followed the recipe exactly and the lamb came out perfectly cooked. Will definitely be making this again!


MerajMerajkk
[email protected]

This is the best pulled lamb shoulder recipe I've ever tried! It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious.


Kai drolic
[email protected]

My family absolutely loved this recipe! The lamb was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfect.