There’s something truly special about a perfectly roasted leg of lamb. It’s rich in flavor, beautifully tender, and just the right balance of savory and herbaceous. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this easy roast leg of lamb recipe is sure to impress without requiring too much effort.
The key to a great roast leg of lamb lies in the seasoning. You don’t need a complicated marinade, simple is best here. Start by making a garlic and herb paste with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat it generously for maximum flavor. The herbs provide an earthy, aromatic base that complements the rich lamb beautifully.
Once seasoned, the lamb is ready for roasting. Place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and roast until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of about 125-130°F (52-54°C), which will continue to rise as it rests. Roasting times generally take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the leg and your preferred doneness.
To achieve a beautifully golden crust, you can sear the lamb in a hot pan for a few minutes before roasting. This step adds extra flavor and a nice caramelized exterior.
Once the lamb is done, allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
Serve your roast leg of lamb with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the meat. A drizzle of mint sauce or a red wine reduction can elevate the flavors further, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast.
This easy roast leg of lamb is perfect for creating memorable meals with minimal fuss – flavorful, impressive, and satisfying every time.
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp rosemary chopped, fresh
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the leg of lamb with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and olive oil.
- Rub the mixture all over the lamb, covering it evenly.
- Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
- Remove the lamb from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil.
- Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Slice and serve the roast leg of lamb.
- Enjoy!
Is it normal to serve this with ketchup? Asking for a friend. 🤔
I followed the recipe, but my lamb came out a bit tough. Maybe my oven’s temp was off?
Maybe you cooked it too long? Lamb can be tough if overdone. I usually check it with a meat thermometer!
Okay, I gotta say, I tried it and it was…just okay. Nothing too special.
Lamb is so good! I love the garlic and rosemary… yumm! 🤤
Tried this recipe for a special occasion, turned out pretty good! However, I left it in the oven just a bit too long.
This is way too much effort for a piece of meat. Ain’t nobody got time for that. 1 star!
5 stars! I’m not even a cooker but this was easy peasy and my friends were impressed.
I was a bit skeptical at first, but it turned out pretty good. Just wish the lamb was a little more tender.
I never know how to make lamb. This helped a lot! But it took forever to cook.
Simple and easy! The kids loved it!
This recipe is a lifesaver! I followed it exactly, and my family loved it. The garlic and rosemary really bring out the flavor.
What’s the deal with the resting time? Sounds like a waste of time. I just carve and serve.
I forgot to buy rosemary and used thyme instead. It still tasted good. Just sayin’!
This leg of lamb was amazing! Juicy and flavorful, my family loved it! Definitely a 5-star meal.
Easy to follow recipes! My husband said it was the best lamb he ever had, and I believe him! Thanks!
That sounds delicious! I’m gonna try it for my family this weekend. Can’t wait to see their reaction!
Best lamb? Really? I mean, did you use a special recipe or something? Looks pretty standard to me.
This looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it for Sunday dinner.
Yum! My first time roasting lamb, and it was delicious! I didn’t even know what rosemary was before this!
Easy and delish! Adding this to my go-to list for holidays. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you liked it! It’s a family favorite for sure. Happy cooking!
Looks good, but isn’t lamb super fatty? I usually avoid it.
I thought it was too garlicky. Maybe I used too much? I wouldn’t make it again, but it looked nice.
Garlic can be strong! Maybe just use 2 cloves next time? It’s really tasty otherwise!
I didn’t like it at all. Lamb is too greasy for me. I prefer chicken. Just my opinion.
I hear ya! Lamb can be pretty fatty. Have you thought about making it with chicken instead? It’s a lot leaner and could be just as tasty.
You don’t know what you’re missing! Lamb’s the best! Chicken is so boring… but hey, to each their own.
Are you serious? My grandma used to make it different with mint jelly. This is not it!
I think it needs more seasoning. Just salt and pepper ain’t enough, right?
Roasting lamb? Isn’t that a little too fancy? I just don’t think I can pull it off.
Don’t worry! This recipe is super easy. If you follow the steps, you’ll do great! Just take your time.
Fancy or not, it’s just meat! My mom used to just throw it in the oven. You got this!