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Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 4 hours (including marination)
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the herb marinade:

  • 1 leg of lamb (about 2.5–3kg), bone-in or boneless
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Optional additions:

  • 1 onion, quartered (for roasting pan)
  • 2 carrots, chopped (for roasting pan)
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium broth (for moisture in pan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade

  • In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mustard (if using), black pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  • Stir well to create a thick herb paste.

2. Prepare the lamb

  • Pat the lamb dry with paper towels.
  • Make shallow incisions across the surface of the lamb with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate deeper.
  • Rub the herb marinade generously over the entire leg of lamb, working it into the cuts and crevices.

3. Marinate the lamb

  • Place the lamb in a large dish or resealable bag and cover tightly.
  • Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Remove from fridge 1 hour before roasting to bring to room temperature.

4. Prepare the roasting pan

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Place onion and carrot pieces in the bottom of a roasting pan to act as a natural rack and infuse flavor.
  • Add 1 cup of water or broth to the pan for added moisture during roasting.

5. Roast the lamb

  • Place the marinated lamb on top of the vegetables in the pan.
  • Roast uncovered for about 20 minutes per 500g (1.1 lb), or until the internal temperature reaches:
    • 50–52°C (122–125°F) for rare
    • 55–57°C (130–135°F) for medium-rare
    • 60–63°C (140–145°F) for medium
    • 65–70°C (150–158°F) for medium-well
  • Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast to ensure accuracy.

6. Rest the lamb

  • Once desired doneness is achieved, remove the lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with foil.
  • Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender, flavorful roast.

7. Carve and serve

  • Use a sharp carving knife to slice thin or thick portions, depending on preference.
  • Serve with pan juices or your choice of sauce, along with your favorite sides.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1½ to 2 hours (depending on weight and desired doneness)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 200–250g per person
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g