The Juiciest Roast Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe

A roast leg of lamb changes ordinary dinners into memorable culinary experiences with its rich, succulent profile.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this elegant protein as a centerpiece of festive gatherings.

Tender meat infused with aromatic herbs promises a sensory journey that awakens taste buds and sparks conversation.

Robust and versatile, this classic preparation combines simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavor combinations.

Succulent cuts benefit from careful seasoning and precise cooking techniques that elevate the entire dining experience.

garlic and rosemary work harmoniously to enhance the lamb natural depth, creating a symphony of rustic and refined tastes.

Prepare to impress family and friends with this timeless recipe that promises sophisticated comfort.

Keeping Roast Lamb Tender Beyond the Table

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lamb in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Refrigerated lamb stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm sliced lamb in the oven at 325°F to preserve tenderness. Place meat in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the meat.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze sliced lamb in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Pairing Wines & Sides with Lamb Greatness

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, savory flavors of the roasted lamb. These full-bodied wines have enough tannic structure to cut through the meat's richness and enhance its herbal rosemary notes.
• Create a Mediterranean Side Dish: Serve the lamb with a Greek-style roasted vegetable medley featuring eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil. The bright, fresh vegetables will balance the lamb's intensity and provide a colorful plate.
• Match with Herbal Accompaniment: Prepare a mint chimichurri sauce or gremolata to serve alongside the lamb. These herb-based condiments will echo the rosemary in the meat and add a zesty, fresh dimension to each bite, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Select Complementary Potato Dish: Roast fingerling potatoes with garlic and rosemary to mirror the lamb's seasoning. The crispy, golden potatoes will soak up the meat's juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender lamb.

Different Rubs and Marinades Worth Trying

• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap rosemary with a mix of oregano, thyme, and mint for a vibrant Greek-inspired flavor profile that enhances the lamb's richness.
• Moroccan Spice Rub: Replace traditional seasonings with ras el hanout, creating a complex and aromatic coating that infuses North African warmth into the roast.
• Citrus-Infused Version: Add orange and lemon zest to the garlic-herb mixture, introducing bright, tangy notes that cut through the lamb's richness and provide a fresh undertone.
• Wine-Marinated Option: Marinate the lamb overnight in red wine, garlic, and herbs before roasting, which tenderizes the meat and adds deep, sophisticated flavors to the final dish.

Garlic, Rosemary & Lamb—What’s Not to Love

• Infuse Irresistible Flavors: The combination of garlic and rosemary creates a mouthwatering aromatic blend that transforms ordinary lamb into an extraordinary culinary experience, delivering rich, herbaceous notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Simple Roasting Technique: This recipe offers an easy-to-follow method that makes gourmet cooking accessible, allowing home chefs to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking skills and straightforward steps.
• Perfectly Tender Showstopper Meat: By carefully searing and slow-roasting the lamb, you'll guarantee a wonderfully juicy and tender protein that's golden-brown on the outside and succulently pink on the inside, making it ideal for special gatherings or impressive dinner parties.
• Quick Preparation, Maximum Flavor: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers maximum taste impact, proving that delicious meals don't require hours of complicated cooking techniques.

Your Flavor-Packed Lamb Shopping List

• Leg of Lamb: Tender and flavorful cut perfect for roasting, best when brought to room temperature before cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the lamb's natural flavors and creating a delicious crust.
• Garlic, Rosemary: Classic herb and spice combination that adds depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor to the roast.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and promotes even browning of the lamb's surface.
• Aluminum Foil: Protects the meat during roasting and helps retain moisture during cooking.

Roast a Leg of Lamb Like It’s Second Nature

Step 1: Bring Lamb to Room Temperature

Remove lamb from refrigerator and let it sit for 1 hour to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Lamb for Searing

Coat lamb with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Minced garlic
• Chopped rosemary

Step 4: Sear the Lamb

Broil lamb for 5 minutes, flip, then broil another 5 minutes to create a golden crust.

Step 5: Add Herb Coating

Rub garlic and rosemary mixture all over the lamb’s surface.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Cover lamb loosely with foil and roast at 375°F for approximately 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove lamb from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Secrets to a Juicy, Flavorful Center

• Temper for Tenderness: Let the lamb sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking to ensure even roasting and maximum juiciness.
• Sear for Flavor Locks: Broiling quickly at high heat creates a delicious golden crust that seals in the lamb's natural moisture and enhances overall taste.
• Herb Massage Technique: Generously rub the garlic and rosemary mixture into every surface of the meat to distribute aromatic flavors deeply throughout the roast.
• Rest and Relax: Always allow the lamb to rest for 15 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and results in more tender, succulent slices.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 135°F for medium doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining the lamb's delicate texture.

Roast Leg Of Lamb With Garlic And Rosemary Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent roast leg of lamb celebrates Mediterranean flavors with robust garlic and fragrant rosemary. French culinary traditions shine through this classic centerpiece that brings warmth and richness to your dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 pounds (2.7 kg) lamb leg (bone-in)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stems rosemary (minced)
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Take the lamb leg out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 60 minutes, which helps ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
2. Heat the oven to broil setting, preparing a baking tray for the lamb preparation.
3. Drizzle and massage of olive oil evenly across the entire surface of the lamb, creating a thin protective coating.
4. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over all sides of the lamb, ensuring complete and uniform seasoning.
5. Position the lamb under the broiler and sear for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the meat and broil for an additional 5 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
6. Remove the lamb from the broiler and create a fragrant herb mixture by combining finely chopped fresh garlic and rosemary leaves.
7. Thoroughly rub the aromatic garlic-rosemary blend all over the lamb’s surface, pushing the herbs into small crevices to maximize flavor infusion.
8. Loosely tent the lamb with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture loss and place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
9. Roast the lamb for approximately 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius) for a perfect medium doneness.
10. After removing from the oven, allow the lamb to rest undisturbed for 15 minutes, which helps redistribute the internal juices and ensures a more tender, succulent result.
11. Carve the lamb against the grain into thin, elegant slices and serve immediately.

Notes

• Bring lamb to room temperature before cooking to ensure even roasting and tender meat.
• Searing locks in juices and creates a delicious golden-brown crust for maximum flavor.
• Fresh rosemary and garlic create an aromatic herb coating that enhances the lamb’s natural richness.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve precise doneness without overcooking.
• Allow the meat to rest after roasting so juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and tender final dish.
• Loosely covering with foil during roasting helps prevent excessive browning while keeping the meat moist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg