🥩 Garlic Herb Roasted Lamb (Oven Roast)
Description
This Garlic Herb Roasted Lamb is a juicy, flavorful centerpiece dish featuring tender lamb coated in a rich blend of garlic, herbs, and spices. Roasted to perfection with lemon and onions, it delivers a crispy crust on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside—perfect for special dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the lamb:
- 1.5–2 kg lamb leg or shoulder
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the marinade:
- 5–6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
For roasting:
- 1 onion (cut into chunks)
- 1–2 lemons (sliced)
- ½ cup broth or water
Instructions
1. Prep the lamb
- Pat lamb dry and score the surface lightly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
2. Make marinade
- Mix garlic, olive oil, herbs, paprika, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Marinate
- Rub mixture all over lamb.
- Let sit at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
4. Prepare tray
- Place onions and lemon slices in a roasting pan.
- Add broth or water.
5. Roast
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Roast for:
- Medium: 1.5–2 hours
- Well done: 2–2.5 hours
6. Baste
- Spoon juices over lamb every 30–40 minutes.
7. Rest & serve
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with roasted onions and lemon.
Servings
- Serves: 5–6 people
Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Marination: 1–12 hours
- Cook: 2 hours
Notes
- Shoulder = more tender & juicy
- Leg = leaner but still flavorful
- Resting the meat is essential for juicy slices
Tips
- Add potatoes or carrots to roast with lamb
- Use foil halfway if top browns too quickly
- For extra crisp crust, broil for last 5–10 minutes
- Always slice against the grain
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: ~35 g
- Fat: ~36 g
- Carbs: ~3–5 g
Health Benefits
- High protein → muscle growth & repair
- Rich in iron → boosts energy levels
- Zinc & B vitamins → supports immunity
- Healthy fats → keeps you full longer
Q&A
Q1: Can I use boneless lamb?
Yes, cooking time may be slightly shorter.
Q2: How do I know it’s done?
Internal temp:
- Medium: 60–65°C (140–150°F)
Q3: Can I cook in air fryer?
Yes, but for smaller cuts only.
Q4: How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freeze: up to 2 months
Q5: Why is my lamb tough?
It needs more time or lower, slower cooking.