Meat vs. Mutton — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Meat refers to the edible flesh of animals, generally including various types, while mutton specifically denotes the flesh of mature sheep, offering a distinct, strong flavor.
Difference Between Meat and Mutton
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Meat is a broad term that encompasses various types of animal flesh, such as beef, pork, chicken, and fish, and is used in diverse cuisines. Mutton, on the other hand, is a specific subset of meat that comes exclusively from mature sheep, typically aged over a year.
Meat includes common varieties like beef from cattle or pork from pigs, each bringing unique flavors and cooking methods to the table. Whereas, mutton is appreciated for its stronger, gamey taste compared to lamb, which is from younger sheep.
Meat often includes both domesticated and wild sources, like deer (venison) or bison, providing a wide spectrum of tastes. In contrast, mutton is mostly sourced from domesticated sheep and plays a traditional role in Middle Eastern, Indian, and some European cuisines.
Meat is broadly available and consumed globally, with different preferences and restrictions based on cultures and religions. Mutton, meanwhile, is favored in specific regions and tends to be less common in Western countries.
Meat dishes vary significantly in flavor, preparation, and nutrition depending on the source, whereas mutton dishes often focus on slow-cooked or spiced preparations to complement its robust flavor.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Edible animal flesh
Flesh of mature sheep
Source
Various animals (beef, pork)
Mature sheep (typically over 1 year)
Flavor
Varies by type
Strong, gamey
Global Use
Common worldwide
Popular in specific regions
Preparation
Grilled, fried, baked
Slow-cooked, stews, spiced
Compare with Definitions
Meat
Animal flesh consumed as food.
The restaurant serves a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, and pork.
Mutton
Meat from an adult sheep.
The traditional dish features slow-cooked mutton with spices.
Meat
Edible animal muscle and tissues.
Many people prefer lean meat for health reasons.
Mutton
From sheep older than one year.
Mutton has a firmer texture due to the sheep's age.
Meat
Identifies a specific type of animal protein.
This dish uses white meat from chicken breasts.
Mutton
More popular in certain parts of the world.
Mutton is a staple in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
Meat
Rich source of protein and iron.
Red meat is high in iron and vitamin B12.
Mutton
Characterized by its rich taste.
Some people find mutton too gamey compared to lamb.
Meat
Includes various preparation methods like roasting and grilling.
Barbecue is a popular method for cooking meat.
Mutton
Often used in stews or curries.
The hearty stew contained tender chunks of mutton.
Meat
Meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Humans have hunted and killed animals for meat since prehistoric times.
Mutton
The flesh of fully grown sheep.
Meat
The edible flesh of animals, especially that of mammals as opposed to that of fish or poultry.
Mutton
The flesh of sheep used as food.
Meat
The edible part, as of a piece of fruit or a nut.
Mutton
The flesh of goat used as food.
Meat
The essence, substance, or gist
The meat of the editorial.
Mutton
(archaic) A sheep.
Meat
(Slang) Something that one enjoys or excels in; a forte
Tennis is his meat.
Mutton
Em, a unit of measurement equal to the height of the type in use.
Meat
Nourishment; food
"Love is not all.
Mutton
A prostitute.
Laced mutton
Meat
The genitals.
Mutton
(historical) An old Anglo-French gold coin impressed with the image of a lamb.
Meat
(uncountable) The flesh (muscle tissue) of an animal used as food.
A large portion of domestic meat production comes from animals raised on factory farms.
The homesteading teenager shot a deer to supply his family with wild meat for the winter.
Mutton
(Cockney rhyming slang) deaf.
Meat
(countable) A type of meat, by anatomic position and provenance.
The butchery's profit rate on various meats varies greatly.
Mutton
A sheep.
Not so much ground as will feed a mutton.
Muttons, beeves, and porkers are good old words for the living quadrupeds.
Meat
Food, for animals or humans, especially solid food. See also meat and drink.
Mutton
The flesh of a sheep.
The fat of roasted mutton or beef.
Meat
A type of food, a dish.
Mutton
A loose woman; a prostitute.
I willingly return to my muttons.
Meat
(archaic) A meal.
Mutton
Meat from a mature domestic sheep
Meat
(obsolete) Meal; flour.
Mutton
The square of a body of any size of type
Meat
(uncountable) Any relatively thick, solid part of a fruit, nut etc.
The apple looked fine on the outside, but the meat was not very firm.
Meat
(slang) A penis.
Meat
(colloquial) The best or most substantial part of something.
We recruited him right from the meat of our competitor.
Meat
(sports) The sweet spot of a bat or club (in cricket, golf, baseball etc.).
He hit it right on the meat of the bat.
Meat
(slang) A meathead.
Throw it in here, meat.
Meat
(Australian Aboriginal) A totem, or (by metonymy) a clan or clansman which uses it.
Meat
Food, in general; anything eaten for nourishment, either by man or beast. Hence, the edible part of anything; as, the meat of a lobster, a nut, or an egg.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, . . . to you it shall be for meat.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you.
Meat
The flesh of animals used as food; esp., animal muscle; as, a breakfast of bread and fruit without meat.
Meat
Dinner; the chief meal.
Meat
To supply with food.
His shield well lined, his horses meated well.
Meat
The flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
Meat
The inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone;
Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell
Meat
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Common Curiosities
Is mutton healthier than other meats?
Mutton is rich in protein and iron, but its higher fat content may not suit some diets.
Which countries favor mutton in their cuisine?
Mutton is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and African cuisines.
Does mutton taste different from other meats?
Yes, mutton has a distinctive, stronger flavor compared to beef or chicken.
How should mutton be stored to maintain freshness?
Fresh mutton should be refrigerated or frozen promptly and can last up to three days in the fridge or several months in the freezer.
Can I substitute lamb for mutton in recipes?
Yes, but be aware that lamb is milder and more tender, so cooking times and seasoning may need adjustments.
Is mutton environmentally sustainable compared to other meats?
Mutton, like other meats, depends on farming practices, but sheep can graze on land unsuitable for crops, reducing their impact.
How is mutton different from lamb?
Mutton is from sheep over a year old, whereas lamb is from younger sheep.
What are common dishes made with mutton?
Popular dishes include mutton curry, biryani, and Irish stew.
How does the cooking process differ for mutton compared to other meats?
Mutton usually requires longer cooking times, often through slow-cooking or braising, to tenderize its tougher texture.
Does mutton contain more fat than beef or pork?
Mutton generally has a higher fat content than beef and pork, particularly saturated fat.
Are there specific cuts of mutton that are more tender?
Yes, cuts like the shoulder and leg are relatively tender and suitable for roasting or slow cooking.
Are there religious or cultural restrictions on consuming mutton?
While mutton is commonly consumed in various cultures, some religious groups may have restrictions, particularly on meat in general.
Is mutton a suitable option for people with food allergies?
Mutton is generally suitable, but individuals with meat allergies should consult their healthcare provider before consumption.
What spices complement mutton's flavor?
Mutton pairs well with robust spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and rosemary, often found in curries and stews.
Can mutton be prepared rare or medium like steak?
Due to its tougher nature, mutton is best when fully cooked, usually in slow-cooked preparations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
