Rating: 3.50
(34)

Roast Lamb

December 11, 2024

Roast lamb is a timeless dish that never fails to impress. Whether it’s for a special holiday, a family gathering, or a Sunday dinner, this flavorful and tender meat is the epitome of comfort and elegance. The rich, succulent taste of lamb, paired with the aromatic herbs and spices, creates a dish that’s both hearty and refined.

To prepare a classic roast lamb, start with a bone-in leg of lamb or a rack of lamb – both cuts offer tender meat with a fantastic depth of flavor. The key to a perfect roast is in the seasoning. A simple yet delicious blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper works wonders, infusing the lamb with an irresistible aroma while it roasts. For an added depth of flavor, you can make small slits in the lamb and insert slices of garlic or sprigs of rosemary to ensure that every bite is packed with fragrant herbs.

Before roasting, allow the lamb to come to room temperature. This ensures it cooks more evenly. Coat the lamb with the seasoning mix, massaging it into the meat to enhance the flavor. Place the lamb in a preheated oven and roast it at a high temperature for the first 15-20 minutes to develop a beautiful, caramelized crust. Then, lower the temperature and continue roasting until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness, whether it’s medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Roasting lamb is all about balance – achieving that perfect combination of a crispy, flavorful exterior and a juicy, tender interior. For an extra layer of richness, you can occasionally baste the lamb with its own juices or a bit of white wine or broth while it roasts.

Once the lamb is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and moist. Serve with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh mint sauce to complement the rich flavor of the lamb.

Roast lamb is a dish that always feels special but can be surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying it for the first time, this meal is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who’s lucky enough to enjoy it.

Roast Lamb
Roast Lamb
3.50 from 34 votes
A tender and juicy roast lamb recipe perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg leg of lamb bone-in
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp rosemary fresh, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub the mixture all over the leg of lamb, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  • Place the lamb in a roasting pan and put it in the preheated oven.
  • Roast the lamb for about 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare.
  • Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 550mgVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg
Calories: 380kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: cooking, lamb, recipes
Cooking Method: Roasted
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe but it came out way too tough! I think I overcooked it. Is 1.5 hours too long? I thought it would be juicy. 😕 2 stars.

    1. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

      4 stars
      1.5 hours should be enough for medium-rare. Maybe the oven was too hot? Can’t blame the recipe completely.

    2. 3 stars
      You probably overcooked it, yeah. But sometimes meat can be tough no matter what. I had my share of tough lamb too. 🤷‍♂️

  2. User avatar Chanel Gutmann says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I made this for my family last weekend and they couldn’t stop raving about it. The garlic and rosemary really shine! 5 stars!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I love lamb, but I always thought it would be too hard to make. Maybe I’ll give it a try now!

    2. User avatar dorine.cummerata1988 says:

      2 stars
      But wait, isn’t lamb kinda greasy? I dunno, seems like too much fuss for meat. I’d rather just grill chicken.

  3. User avatar ambrose.jenkins says:

    3 stars
    This lamb was OK, but I’m used to making it with a bunch of spices… This felt a bit plain. Next time, I might add some chili flakes! 3 stars.

  4. User avatar shelley.kautzer35 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the instructions but it was too salty for my taste. Maybe I added too much salt? 🤔

  5. User avatar blossom.lehner89 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! I added some lemon zest for extra zing. Will make again for sure!

  6. User avatar jonathan.trantow38 says:

    2 stars
    Lamb is so tough to cook right. Mine came out dry. I’m skeptical of this recipe!

  7. User avatar chantel.hahn says:

    4 stars
    Isn’t 60°C too low? I thought lamb needs to be higher temp? Only chefs know I guess.

  8. 3 stars
    Can someone explain why there’s garlic? Isn’t that like a big no for lamb???

  9. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

    3 stars
    Too salty for my taste. I might cut back on the salt next time.

    1. User avatar Ra'zhinda says:

      4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! Salt can really overpower the flavors. Maybe try using herbs instead for seasoning next time!

  10. User avatar Zarniwoop says:

    2 stars
    I must’ve messed up somewhere. Mine came out way too dry. I followed the instructions exactly.

    1. User avatar jan.mante29 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, mine was juicy! Maybe your oven runs too hot? Or try basting it next time.

    2. User avatar merri.koch says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Sometimes lamb can dry out if it’s not enough fat or if it’s cooked too long. Did you use a meat thermometer?

  11. User avatar margo.hermiston43 says:

    1 star
    How long do I cook it for if I wanna well done? My family likes it like that.

  12. User avatar jeffrey.hegmann1961 says:

    1 star
    Wait, do you really need to let it rest before carving? Seems like a waste of time.

    1. User avatar mathWizard says:

      5 stars
      Letting it rest is super important! It helps keep the juices in, otherwise, it’ll be dry. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

  13. User avatar dorothy.boehm60 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was awesome! The lamb turned out so juicy and flavorful. My family loved it!

    1. User avatar brooks.walker says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’m glad it turned out well for you. I’m gonna try this recipe next!

  14. 3 stars
    Good, but I prefer beef. Lamb just isnt for me.

  15. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    2 stars
    I made this but forgot to preheat the oven. Oops, guess it’s a cold lamb tonight! 😂

    1. 2 stars
      Cold lamb sounds ew, how does that even taste? You might as well just eat it raw! 😂

    2. User avatar jan.connelly81 says:

      4 stars
      Haha, at least you made a funny story out of it! But seriously, don’t forget to preheat next time! 😉

  16. User avatar basementDweller says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Best dinner ever! 😍

  17. User avatar Rob McKenna says:

    4 stars
    Really easy to make! Didn’t have rosemary, used thyme instead and it still tasted great. 👍

  18. User avatar russel.streich1969 says:

    5 stars
    This roast lamb recipe was to die for! So juicy and flavorful. Can’t believe I made it myself!

  19. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    5 stars
    Best lamb ever! My grandma used to make this, brought back good memories. ❤️

  20. User avatar junita.padberg37 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I doubled the garlic and added some lemon juice for a zing. Will make again!

  21. 4 stars
    Easy to make, but I used dried rosemary and it didn’t taste as fresh. Still nice overall.

    1. 2 stars
      I dunno… dried stuff just ain’t the same. $@!# yeah, it’s easy but fresh is best! You’d be missing out otherwise!

    2. User avatar oralia.bergnaum says:

      4 stars
      Fresh rosemary definitely makes a difference! I’m glad you still enjoyed it though. Maybe give it another shot with fresh herbs next time!

3.50 from 34 votes
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