Club chefs may select this traditional and widely available variety of lamb for its recognizably rich flavor.
Despite domestic production here at home, Australia lamb makes up the largest percentage of lamb on American shelves today. Its lower price point and distinct flavor mean that chefs have a range of options to showcase the meat on a club menu.
Australian lamb provides a cut of meat with its own unique flavor profile, texture, and cooking style. Choosing between domestic and international lamb ultimately comes down to a club chef and member’s taste preferences, as each style has its own set of admirers.
Australian Lamb Qualities
Much like beef, the taste of lamb often stems back to where and how the animal lived. Australian lamb is nearly always pasture-raised, feeding on richly green grasses in open fields.
This diet increases the lamb’s overall fat content—the factor that typically gives lamb meat that signature gamey flavor. More grass in their diets also gives the meat an earthier element, differing from the grain-finished lambs typical in the US.
With fewer grains in their diets, Australian lambs are usually much smaller than American ones when they are slaughtered. For much of time, Australian lambs were raised for their wool and only the largest of the flock were slaughtered for meat. Leaner lifestyles translate to cuts of lamb with larger marbling, an element many chef’s look for in steaks.
Australian Lamb vs. Competitors
Comparing the flavors of Australian lambs with other countries is a matter of preference. Chefs and members who enjoy a gamier lamb flavor will lean toward New Zealand lamb whereas those looking for a beef-like, buttery taste may prefer American. Australian lamb strikes a balance between the two extremes.
Additionally, the abundance of Australian lamb means that it will be much less expensive than domestic cuts, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a cost-effective option.
Overall, club chefs may prefer this balanced meat when lamb makes a consistent appearance on their menus and they are looking to showcase that signature lamb flavor.