A beautifully cooked leg of lamb roast is a centerpiece that brings joy to any dining table. Its succulent and tender meat, infused with savory flavors, is a true delight for meat lovers. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve a perfectly cooked leg of lamb roast, look no further. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook leg of lamb roast properly at home.
1. How to Cook Leg of Lamb Roast
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb, bone-in (5-6 pounds)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful paste.
Place the leg of lamb on a cutting board and make small incisions all over the surface of the meat using a sharp knife.
Rub the garlic and herb paste all over the leg of lamb, making sure to press it into the incisions to fully infuse the flavors.
Place the leg of lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the lamb, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone.
Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness:
- 125°F (52°C) for rare
- 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare
- 145°F (63°C) for medium
- 160°F (71°C) for well-done
While the leg of lamb is roasting, baste it occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the leg of lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. During this resting period, the temperature will rise a few degrees and the juices will redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
After resting, carve the leg of lamb into thin slices and serve.
Cooking a leg of lamb roast to perfection requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to monitoring the internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer ensures that you achieve the desired level of doneness, whether you prefer a succulent medium-rare or a well-done roast. Remember to factor in the resting time, as it allows the meat to become more tender and juicy.
With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a mouthwatering leg of lamb roast that will be the star of any meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and follow what I have instructed in this article
