Description
This perfect roasted leg of lamb recipe delivers a tender and flavorful centerpiece infused with a fragrant garlic and rosemary rub. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this dish combines simple ingredients with classic roasting techniques to achieve a golden, crispy crust and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4–5 lb leg of lamb (choose a quality cut for maximum tenderness and flavor)
Rub
- 3 tbsp olive oil (enriches the rub and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust)
- 2 tsp garlic, minced (infuses the meat with fragrant, zesty flavors)
- 1 tsp rosemary, dried (herbaceous notes that complement lamb perfectly)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Optional
- white wine or chicken broth (optional splash for added depth)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the leg of lamb roasts evenly at the perfect temperature.
- Prepare the Rub: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This fragrant blend will infuse the lamb with robust flavor.
- Apply Rub: Generously coat the entire leg of lamb with the garlic and rosemary mixture, ensuring every surface is covered to maximize flavor penetration and create a delicious crust.
- Arrange Lamb in Pan: Place the rubbed leg of lamb in a roasting pan. If you don’t have a roasting rack, elevate it using thick onion slices or assorted vegetables to enhance aroma and promote even cooking.
- Roast the Lamb: Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender roast when sliced.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking and desired doneness.
- Resting the meat is crucial for juicy results; do not skip this step.
- Optional splash of white wine or chicken broth can be added to the roasting pan to enhance flavor and create a base for gravy.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a richer crust, you can sear the lamb in a hot skillet before roasting.
