Experience the rustic richness and satisfying depth of premium Victorian lamb with the MC Herd Square Cut Shoulder, a bone in cut known for its full flavour and slow cooking brilliance. This lamb showcases the quality of MC Herd, one of Australia’s most respected processors of ethically raised lamb.

With strong character, natural tenderness and a generous marbling structure, this cut performs beautifully whether roasted, braised, smoked or grilled. It is made for cooks who appreciate both versatility and robust flavour.

Perfect for family meals, weekend feasts or refined dishes, the square cut shoulder brings soul-warming comfort and premium quality to every plate.

What Makes MC Herd Lamb Unique

MC Herd maintains strict quality standards and sources lamb from trusted Australian farmers, primarily across Victoria’s lush grazing regions. Their lamb is either grass-fed or pasture-raised, resulting in clean flavour and natural tenderness.

The supply chain avoids added hormones and follows world-class assurance programs for consistency in size, trimming and texture. This delivers predictability in the kitchen and strong performance in any cooking method.

MC Herd is export-approved and internationally recognised for premium standards. Their humane handling, sustainability focus and traceable systems support high integrity from paddock to plate.

Each cut, including the square cut shoulder, reflects the brand’s dedication to flavour and reliability.

Understanding the Square Cut Shoulder (Bone In)

The square cut shoulder comes from the upper forequarter of the lamb and retains the bone for enhanced flavour and structure. It contains the shoulder blade, parts of the neck, upper ribs and connective tissues supported by natural intramuscular fat.

This combination is renowned for its slow-cooking success. The connective tissues soften into silky tenderness and the bone conducts heat gently through the cut.

Chefs value this cut for its superior flavour due to the bone marrow's influence, its unmatched tenderness in long cooks, its versatility across multiple cuisines, and its accessible price compared with loin cuts, while delivering deeper flavour.

Why Choose Bone In

Bone in lamb shoulder offers several natural advantages that elevate both flavour and cooking performance. The bone enriches the meat during long cooks and helps retain structure and moisture throughout the process:

• Enhanced flavour: Bone marrow deepens the natural richness of the meat.
• Moisture retention: The bone helps the shoulder stay succulent and tender as it cooks.
• Better presentation: Ideal for plating or carving at the table with a striking rustic look.
• Structural integrity: Supports the cut during long cooking, unlike boneless pieces that may soften too early.

Taste Profile and Texture

The square cut shoulder offers one of the richest flavour experiences in the lamb carcase. Expect deep savoury notes, mild sweetness from pasture-raised diets and a robust aroma without overwhelming intensity.

Bone marrow and connective tissue add luscious depth to the overall taste. The cut rewards patient cooking with fork-tender fibres and juicy, shreddable texture during low and slow braising.

When roasted at high heat near the end of cooking, the exterior becomes crisp and caramelised. When cooked to medium rare in portioned pieces, it slices cleanly with succulent results.

Intramuscular fat melts through the meat to create exceptional juiciness and satisfying mouthfeel.

Best Cooking Methods

This cut excels when cooked slowly to transform its collagen and structure into tender, flavour-filled meat:

• Slow roasting: Score the fat lightly. Rub with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Roast at 140 to 160 °C for three to four hours. Finish at high heat for a crisp exterior.
• Braising and stewing: Place in a Dutch oven with stock, red wine, tomatoes, root vegetables and herbs. Simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, until fork-tender.
• Smoking: Apply BBQ spices or Middle Eastern blends. Smoke at 110 to 130 °C for four to six hours. Wrap partway through for extra tenderness.
• Grilling (portioned cuts): If sliced into chops or steaks, grill over medium-high heat for a juicy, caramelised finish.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

The square cut shoulder adapts to both rustic and refined dishes:

• Perfect pairings: Roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, couscous or grilled greens.
• Flavour companions: Rosemary, thyme, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon or pomegranate molasses.
• Meal ideas: Slow-braised lamb with vegetables, smoked lamb platters, Mediterranean roasts, hearty stews or tender shredded lamb for wraps and salads.
• Wine suggestions: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon or Grenache to complement the rich flavour.

Packaging and Handling

The shoulder arrives vacuum-sealed to maintain moisture and ensure long-term cooking performance. The bone in structure remains stable and supports even heat distribution during cooking.

Store refrigerated and cook within recommended time frames. Freezing on arrival is suitable if the cut has not been previously frozen.

Cold chain delivery ensures the lamb reaches you in ideal condition, with consistent quality preserved from dispatch to your kitchen.

Health Benefits

Lamb shoulder offers more than deep, satisfying flavour. It provides a nourishing blend of essential nutrients that support everyday wellbeing and make this cut as wholesome as it is delicious. Here are the key benefits:

• High-quality protein: Supports muscle maintenance and everyday body function.
• Iron and zinc: Essential for immune health and steady energy levels.
• B vitamins: Contributes to metabolism and cognitive function.
• Natural fats: Adds satiety and enhances flavour balance.
• Grass-fed profile: Associated with favourable omega-3 levels compared with grain-fed alternatives.

Who This Cut Is Perfect For

This square cut shoulder suits a wide range of cooks and occasions thanks to its forgiving nature and rich flavour. It performs beautifully across long cooks and offers both value and premium eating quality. Here are the customers who will appreciate it most:

• Home cooks wanting premium but easy-going cuts: Ideal for roasts, braises and slow-cooked meals that always turn out tender.
• Slow cooking enthusiasts: Perfect for dishes that rely on long, gentle heat to unlock depth and softness.
• BBQ pitmasters: Delivers impressive bark, smoke absorption and buttery texture when cooked low and slow.
• Restaurants and caterers: Reliable size, strong presentation and consistent performance during service.
• Families preparing weekend meals: Creates generous, comforting dishes that serve many with ease.
• Luxurious yet affordable dining: Offers a high-end eating experience without the cost of loin or premium rib cuts.

Why Our MC Herd Lamb Stands Out

Carnivore Society works with MC Herd because of their dedication to sustainable farming, pasture-based systems and humane handling. Their lamb is produced without added hormones and follows strict quality programs for reliable results.

Expert trimming ensures better yield and cleaner presentation. Cold chain protection preserves the natural tenderness and flavour profile.

By choosing MC Herd lamb through Carnivore Society, you support ethical farming, trusted sourcing and professional processing from paddock to plate.

Bring Premium Victorian Lamb Home

The MC Herd Square Cut Shoulder (Bone In) celebrates everything that makes Australian lamb special. Order today and enjoy rich flavour, natural tenderness and exceptional versatility in roasts, stews, braises or smoked dishes that warm the soul and elevate your cooking.