Lamb Vs Goat Meat Differences

DhongiBaba

DhongiBaba

Active Member
I see a lot of members here are from abroad so this looks like an appropriate place to ask what they refer to as "Mutton".

Goat VS Sheep​

Goat.jpg
Sheep.jpg

Lamb Vs Goat Meat Differences: Which One is Better?
When it comes to Lamb vs Goat Meat Differences, many people are curious about how these two red meats compare in terms of taste, texture, availability, and preference. In India, especially in North India, the term "mutton" usually refers to goat meat, while lamb is much harder to find. This can sometimes lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with local naming conventions.

Availability of Lamb and Goat Meat in India
In North India, if you order mutton, you will most likely be served goat meat. Lamb (meat from young sheep) is not widely available, though you might find it in select markets or specialty restaurants, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi. However, Kashmir is one region where lamb is more commonly consumed, and the difference in taste between the two meats is noticeable.

Taste & Texture Differences
  • Goat Meat has a stronger, more gamey flavor and is leaner with a firm texture. It requires slow cooking to tenderize properly.

  • Lamb Meat is milder in taste, significantly more tender, and has a higher fat content, which gives it a richer mouthfeel. The texture makes it perfect for roasting and grilling.
Some people say that goat meat has a flavor profile closer to rabbit meat, though that’s subjective. If you are used to one and try the other, the difference is very noticeable.

Why Do Indians Prefer Goat Meat Over Lamb?
It’s interesting that in India, goat meat is far more popular than lamb. This could be due to:

  • Climate Considerations – Goat farming is more common in India’s diverse climate, while sheep require colder conditions.

  • Religious & Cultural Preferences – Many communities prefer leaner, less fatty meat, which makes goat a popular choice.

  • Taste & Tradition – Goat meat has been a staple in Indian cuisine for generations and is widely used in dishes like mutton curry, biryani, and kebabs.
Which One Do You Prefer?
If you’ve tried both lamb and goat, which one do you prefer? Do you think lamb meat is better due to its tenderness, or do you enjoy the stronger taste of goat?

Let’s discuss! Share your experiences with Lamb vs Goat Meat Differences, and let us know what the preferred choice is in your region.
 
In England they refer to sheep (adult lamb) meat as mutton, its not that popular here and neither is goat meat, although goat meat has become more available in the last few years, particularly in the south of England. Theres nothing like the taste of goat meat when its cooked well with plenty of spices, it can be succulent and delicious. If you want great Goat meat, don't come to England, go to India, its far far better there, particularly when my wifes mother cooks it.
 
Lamb is pretty popular here in my country - but I've never had goat before. A friend of mine actually tried goat meat on a vacation to the Caribbean - I believe that goat meat is pretty popular there! He loved it and actually said it was one of his favorite meats he's ever tried.

Still not sure if I would be game to try it though. I've had lamb but didn't really enjoy it and I haven't eaten it in years.
 
Similar to Uk and Us, here in Singapore it is lamb which takes precedence over goat meat. Though goat may not be famous for its meat, goat's milk has many takers here, I haven't tried it myself. Just across the border in Malaysia goat meat is available in plenty as there are many goat farms and it is sacrificed during the major festivals.
 
I have to admit while I've had all the usual meat, I've never had goat, and I'm not sure I like the idea either to be honest.

I guess I won't know till I try it but if I had the choice, even just to try it, it wouldn't be the first option I chose I don't think.
 
I personally have tried both. I only had goat meat once though, and I didn't like it at all. I had it on a trip to the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean, and they make it with wine, tomato sauce, oregano, garlic, onions, and black pepper. On the same trip I tried lamb cooked on a grill, and it was to die for. I honestly never want to try goat meat again, but I'll take the lamb any day.
 
Can I ask what goat meat tastes like? Do you have something to compare it to that we've all probably had, for example is it tough or tender?

A lot of people say that most meat you've never had before tends to taste like chicken, but I'd imagine goat meat to be quite tough and dry, depending on how it's cooked of course.
 
I haven't had either, but I have been told about it. I was told that goat was similar to venison, but with less of a game taste. Lamb has always been described to me as being tender. I would think it really depends on the person preparing them meat for you. Some meat really requires someone that knows what they are doing in the kitchen. If you are not a fan of the things they put with the meat, you definitely will not like the dish.
 
Well I've had venison in the past and I'm not a fan of that either so that's definitely put me off now!

I do agree though that with a lot of food, it's all about how it's cooked, and sometimes even the worst dishes can be made edible if it's prepared, seasoned and cooked in the right manner.
 
I come from a country that eats every part of the pig, also deer, sheep, goat, cow (but not that much than in the USA). I can totally say that even lamb or rabbit can be tasty if its prepared the right way.
My father is master cook and when it comes to meat my whole family eats all the types of animals he prepares. I am personally a vegetarian, but rI remember from my childhood eating rabbit and goat and we never thought its bad tasting or unethical in any way.
 
I think that's a good point and if you feel comfortable from an early age eating a certain type of animal then you will all your life. Personally I've never even had rabbit because my first pet was a rabbit, so that's always put me off, but I know a lot of people that have had it, and its just classed as another meal to them.
 
Yes! totally agree, I think that the social definitions you grew up in can really shape your ways as an adult. And its not just about eating habits.
 
I have tried a goat curry and it was surprisingly good. I had a lamb curry too and it was so soft! It was probably the most tender meat I have ever had in my life. You could just tell that that sheep had a good life. The best meal i have ever had. It opened up my mind to what types of meats I could incorporate into my diet.
 
Curried goat is exactly the dish I was thinking about when I saw this thread. In fact I think it's probably the only dish that I've seen on a menu that's had goat used as the ingredient.

It's not changing my mind though, I'll choose the other option and just stick to the more traditional beef, lamb or chicken!
 
It's also the life the animal is living, as you already mentioned it. Like my family says that eating lamb in Greece and other Mediterranean countries is always better because you can feel on their meat that they ate wildly grown spices (like thyme and rosemary from the side of the road) all their life.
 
I for one am not a lover of goat meat. I tried it once and didn't care for it at all. I have eaten lamb prepared different ways and each time I find it delicious. I will never try or eat goat meat again. I also don't like goat milk.
 
After what I've heard from a few friends I'm in no hurry to try goat meat. Now on the other hand, lamb does sound good. I heard that lamb dishes are delicious. I would love to try curry lamb when I am there.
 
Teheura said:
I also don't like goat milk.
Click to expand...

Me neither - and goat's cheese? Ugh!! I have no idea why restaurants think it's such a fancy thing to put in a dish when it's such a revolting...I mean, acquired...taste.

I just LOVE lamb though - slow roasted with mint sauce and gravy...YUM!
 
When I see anything related to goat in foods I run the other way. Goat meat, milk, and cheese is an acquired taste and not for me. I do love lamb and from time to time buy lamb chops to cook at home.
 
Lamb is really good; I like lamb. I've never had goat meat or sheep, though. What is the consistency of it? Is it similar to pig or chicken meat in texture, or is it different from that?
 
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