Lamb ribs/belly

[CJohnson2008]

A coworker of mine butchers a lamb every year. I asked for the ribs and belly, thinking I would try lamb bacon and smoke the ribs. He said the belly was thin so he left it attached to the ribs.

I have two questions - first, should I try to cut the belly off the ribs, or smoke it as one piece. I've been told by my boss (who is Greek) that the belly is really good crispy and rendered out, but it would definitely take some work to get the two separated.

Second, any suggestions on how to cook the ribs either separated or attached to the belly? Since I have two of these, for the first one I was thinking something more simple - to be honest I thought about just salt an pepper with either a little bit of hickory (I'm using oak charcoal) or a lighter flavored wood for the smoke.

Thanks in advance.

CJ.

[SheilaAnn]

CJohnson2008 your butcher is correct. Lamb ribs are thin. You are lucky that the belly is attached. I would leave it attached and have meaty lamb riblets!!!

[HawkerXP]

We’ve done lamb ribs a couple of times.

Use as appetizers. 🐑

Here is a rack cooked with a St Louie rack.

[CJohnson2008]

We’ve done lamb ribs a couple of times.

Use as appetizers. 🐑

Here is a rack cooked with a St Louie rack.

What wood did you use? I usually use hickory and cherry for pork ribs, but I'm worried that might be a little strong for lamb.

Thanks!

[HawkerXP]

I use cherry and or apple for all wibs.

[CJohnson2008]

CJohnson2008 your butcher is correct. Lamb ribs are thin. You are lucky that the belly is attached. I would leave it attached and have meaty lamb riblets!!!

Thanks for the info. With how thin they are, I felt keeping the belly on was a good decision by my friend - nice to have confirmation.

[Bumby]

Sorry for not posting sooner. I disagree with your butcher. I make (and enjoy) lamb bacon all of the time. Yes, there is much less lamb belly meat and it is harder to maximize the meat. But...it is very, very flavorful and in my view treated better separately. I am working on a post with my thoughts.