Print

Perfect Roasted Leg of Lamb with Herb Crust

roasted leg of lamb with herb crust - featured image

A straightforward and forgiving recipe for a tender, juicy roasted leg of lamb with a flavorful herb crust that impresses at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds leg of lamb, bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the leg of lamb dry with paper towels and trim off any large excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor and moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir in olive oil and Dijon mustard until it forms a paste.
  4. Using a brush or your hands, spread the herb mixture evenly all over the lamb, covering every inch.
  5. Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
  7. Remove the lamb from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Carve the lamb against the grain into thin slices and serve.

Notes

Bring the lamb to room temperature about 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking. Start roasting at high heat to form a crispy crust, then reduce temperature to finish cooking. Resting the meat after roasting is crucial to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Variations include adding smoked paprika for spice or using a slow cooker for a different texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted leg of lamb, herb crust, lamb recipe, easy lamb roast, Sunday roast, garlic rosemary lamb, Dijon mustard lamb