Protein Content in Different Cuts of Lamb

May 23, 2025

Lamb is packed with rich flavour and high-quality protein. And when you choose naturally raised Amelia Park lamb, you can be sure you’re getting a local WA cut full of flavour, nutrition, and nourishment.

But exactly how much protein is in lamb? That depends on the cut you choose. Each cut varies in muscle and fat, two factors that affect protein in lamb.  

This guide breaks down the protein content across common lamb cuts so that you can make smart choices at mealtime.

How Much Protein is in Lamb?

Protein needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. According to Dietitians Australia, a good rule of thumb is that adult women need around 0.75 grams per kilogram each day. For men, it’s slightly higher at 0.84 grams per kilogram. 

The target increases to 1g per kilogram for older adults and during pregnancy to support muscle maintenance and growth.

If you’re active or training regularly, your needs go up. Most athletes aim for 1.2 to 2g per kilogram, depending on their goals.

Boys aged 9–18 need 40–65 grams of protein daily, with requirements increasing as they grow older. Girls aged 9–18 need 35–45 grams of protein daily, with older teens needing slightly more than younger ones.

Use these numbers to guide your choices—especially when picking the right lamb cut to fuel your day.

Why Protein Matters for Your Diet

Protein builds muscle, repairs tissue, and keeps you full for longer. Although protein is often associated with exercise, it’s important for everyone. High-quality protein fuels your metabolism and helps control cravings. It supports strong and healthy bodies, and helps you stay focused throughout the day.

Active lifestyles (like lifting, training, or following a structured eating plan) might demand a little more of it to help repair muscles after a workout. But unless you’re a serious athlete, you probably don’t need powders to get these benefits. 

Quality options like juicy Australian lamb offer flavour, nutrients, and complete protein in every bite. Throw lamb chops on the BBQ after training or slow-cook a shoulder for easy meal prep, and pair with veg or salad for a balanced and protein-packed meal.

A Quick Overview of Lamb Cuts

Understanding where each lamb cut comes from can help you make better nutritional choices. Lamb cuts fall into three main sections:

  • Forequarter: Includes the shoulder, shanks, and neck. These muscles do more work, so the meat is often tougher but flavourful.
  • Loin: Loin chops and tenderloin are taken from the middle of the lamb. It’s known for its tenderness and moderate fat content.
  • Hindquarters: Covers the leg, rump, and sirloin. These cuts are leaner and meatier, with high protein and low fat.

Muscle usage and fat content influence protein density. Leaner cuts from less-used muscles generally offer more protein per serve.

Nutritional Breakdown: Protein in Different Cuts of Lamb

Here’s a look at how much protein you can expect from different cuts of lamb. All values are approximate and based on raw weight per 100g:

Cut Protein / 100g (raw) Cooking Method Recipe Idea
Loin chop 27.2 Grilling, pan-frying Grilled loin chops with figs and feta
Tenderloin 27.2 Pan-searing, grilling Lemon-pepper lamb tenderloin medallions
Mince (lean) 20.4 Stir-fry, patties Spiced lamb and feta burgers
Shoulder (boneless) 20.2 Slow cooking, braising Slow-cooked lamb ragu
Leg (boneless) 20.0 Roasting, grilling Slow-cooked Amelia Park lamb with seasonal veggies
Neck fillet 19.4 Slow braise, stew Mediterranean-style lamb neck stew
Rump 19.0 BBQ, oven roast Balsamic-glazed lamb rump
Shank 14.29 Braising, slow roasting Lamb backstrap, shank & apricot tagine with couscous

 

Hungry for more? Discover Amelia Park Lamb Recipes.  

Note: Protein values are based on Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and MyNetDiary databases. Cooking can concentrate protein by reducing water. Gentle methods like roasting or searing help keep nutrients. 

Best Lamb Cuts for High-Protein, Lean-Eating Goals

If you want a protein-rich, low-fat cut, focus on:

  • Lamb leg: Rich in protein, lean, and versatile.
  • Lamb loin chop: Good protein-to-fat ratio.
  • Lamb tenderloin: Lean and protein-rich.

These cuts also suit athletes, bodybuilders, or anyone counting macros. You get the best value for your protein intake without excessive fat.

For the best result, sear your lamb on high heat to lock in those rich, natural juices. Keep a little marbling – intramuscular fat adds moisture and mouthfeel. And remember, medium rare isn’t just delicious; it also helps preserve the lamb’s protein and tenderness.

Chef-Approved and High-Protein: Recipes Using Amelia Park Lamb

Celebrate premium Australian lamb with recipes developed by chefs who know how to make healthier eating taste incredible:

Lamb Rack, Spring Vegetables & Almond Skordalia

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Tender Amelia Park lamb racks meet mint-kissed vegetables and creamy almond skordalia in this elegant dish by chef Neal Jackson. Roasted to perfection and served with a rich pan sauce, it’s ideal for a special gathering.

Discover the full recipe.

Grilled Loin Chops with Figs and Feta

Cooking time: 10–12 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Sweet figs, salty feta, and juicy Amelia Park loin chops create a symphony in this one-pan wonder. Glazed and grilled to caramelised perfection, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that brings the table to life.

Discover the full recipe.

The Amelia Park Nutritional Advantage

Amelia Park lamb is raised on natural pastures with calm, low-intervention care. This approach protects the texture and boosts nutrition. 

Research shows that natural pasture diets help lambs grow well and maintain high-quality meat without losing protein. Gentle care and grazing reduce stress, keeping the lamb’s muscle structure intact and boosting protein.

A Cut Above, Naturally

How much protein is in lamb? It all comes down to the cut. From tenderloin to shoulder, each offers a different balance of richness and lean protein. But no matter your choice, premium Amelia Park lamb remains a flavour-packed way to support energy, recovery, and well-being.

With Amelia Park, you’re not just getting protein in lamb. You’re getting flavour you can trust and nutrition you can feel, thanks to our naturally raised lamb from trusted Western Australian paddocks. 

Love cooking with Amelia Park? Discover more recipes, including easy weeknight meals and show-stopping special dishes, or find our premium cuts near you.