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Shoulder vs Loin

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

Side by side

ShoulderLoin
Tenderness 48 82
Marbling 58 48
Umami 80 68
Price 36 64

Shoulder

Square-cut · épaule · 어깨

The everyday roasting joint of the sheep: enough fat and collagen to stay juicy for hours, large enough to feed a table. Bone-in holds shape; boneless rolls for even slicing. This is the cut behind most weekend lamb roast traditions.

85–90°CPull-apart soft

A thick fat cap bastes the meat as it renders — do not trim it bare before roasting.

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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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Which one to buy

  • Better forShoulder : Loin
  • Slow roastingShoulder94 : —
  • BraisingShoulder85 : —
  • BarbecueShoulder70 : —
  • GrillingLoin— : 92
  • RoastingLoin— : 85
  • Pan-searingLoin— : 78

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 Leg

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.