Mutton flaps, or breast of lamb, are an inexpensive cut of meat from a sheep.
Consisting of a sheep's lower rib meat, mutton flaps are considered a low-quality cut in Western countries, as opposed to pork and beef ribs. [1] They have been described there as a "tough, scraggy meat", if not properly prepared. [2] Their high fat content has also contributed to their unpopularity in many Western countries, although they are widely used as gyro meat in the United States. [3]
Mutton flaps are a staple in the South Pacific [4] where their high fat content has been linked with the development of obesity problems. [1] [5] In 2000, Fiji banned their import. [6] [7] On July 1, 2020, Tonga banned the import of mutton flaps from New Zealand, claiming their consumption plays a major role in increasing obesity among the population. [8]
In Indonesia, a similar cut of meat called breast of goat is cooked by cutting it into pieces and grilling using skewers. This dish, called sate kronyos , is especially popular in Bantul, Yogyakarta. [9]