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Loin vs Leg

Two cuts people weigh against each other at the counter — here is what actually separates them.

Side by side

LoinLeg
Tenderness 82 55
Marbling 48 35
Umami 68 70
Price 64 50

Loin

Loin chop · selle · 등심

The T-bone region of the sheep: a tender eye with a smaller fillet underneath. Chops grill in minutes; a saddle (paired loins) roasts as a centrepiece. Leaner than the rack, so it needs attentive timing.

54–57°CPull early

A little fat along the edge should stay on; fully trimmed loin chops dry out.

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Leg

Gigot · haunch · 다리

The largest roasting joint: leaner than shoulder, with a cleaner slice when cooked to medium. Bone-in for flavour, boneless butterfly for the grill. This is the Easter and Eid centrepiece in much of the world.

58–62°CRest 15 min

Aitchbone removed makes carving trivial; ask the butcher to tunnel-bone it.

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Which one to buy

  • Better forLoin : Leg
  • GrillingLoin92 : 70
  • RoastingLeg85 : 94
  • Pan-searingLoin78 : —
  • BarbecueLeg— : 82

Other comparisons

→Neck vs Shoulder→Neck vs Shank→Neck vs Breast→Shoulder vs Rack→Shoulder vs Leg→Rack vs Loin→Rack vs Breast→Loin vs Breast

All cuts

Beef Primals

→Chuck→Ribeye→Striploin→Sirloin→Round→Brisket→Short plate→Flank→Shank→Head & cheek→Oxtail

Pork Primals

→Jowl→Shoulder→Picnic shoulder→Loin→Tenderloin→Belly→Leg→Hock & trotter

Lamb Primals

→Neck→Shoulder→Rack→Loin→Leg→Shank→Breast

Chicken Portions

→Breast→Wing→Thigh→Drumstick→Tenderloin→Oyster

Beef Offal Map

→Tongue→Heart→Liver→Rumen→Omasum→Abomasum→Small intestine→Large intestine

Bluefin Tuna Cuts

→Kama→Akami→Otoro→Chutoro→Tail belly

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Temperatures are guidance for whole-muscle cuts. Ground meat and poultry need 71°C / 160°F throughout.