butterfly leg of lamb recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best butterfly leg of lamb recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, butterfly leg of lamb. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it never fails to impress. I first learned how to make it from my mother, who got the recipe from her mother.

It’s a traditional dish that originated in the Mediterranean, where lamb is a staple meat. The recipe itself is incredibly simple, yet the end result is nothing short of amazing. The key to this recipe is the way you prepare the lamb, by making incisions in it to allow for even cooking and then filling it with herbs and spices.

This not only makes the lamb more flavorful but also makes it easier to cook evenly throughout. My kids love helping me prepare this dish, as they get to help with the ‘butchering’ of the lamb and making the incisions. It’s a fun activity that teaches them about where their food comes from and how cooking can be a fun and creative process.

We often serve this dish on special occasions like holidays or family gatherings, but it’s also a great option for a weeknight dinner when we want something hearty and satisfying. I love that this recipe is so versatile – you can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes or even rice. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – they’re just as delicious as the day you made it!

In fact, I often find myself sneaking into the kitchen to grab a few slices of leftover lamb because it’s just that good.

Butterfly Leg of Lamb with Herb Marinade

4.7 from 595 votes

A butterflied leg of lamb is marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, then roasted to a perfect medium-rare. This technique ensures even cooking and a beautifully browned crust, making it an impressive centerpiece for a special dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Lamb and Marinade

1 butterflied leg of lamb (about 4-5 pounds)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the butterflied leg of lamb dry with paper towels.
2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
3Place the lamb on a large baking sheet and rub the herb paste all over both sides of the meat.
4Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
5Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the middle position.
6Remove the lamb from the refrigerator if chilled and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting.
7Roast the lamb for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
8Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, about 20-25 minutes more, or 140°F (60°C) for medium, about 30-35 minutes total.
9Remove the lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
10Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin pieces.
11The internal temperature will rise about 5°F during resting.

🔧Equipment

Large baking sheet or roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Basting brush
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated lamb over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes per side, turning once, until it reaches your desired doneness. Let the lamb rest before slicing to retain its juices. Serve with a side of mint sauce or tzatziki.

Watch Video Of How Butterfly Leg of Lamb with Herb Marinade Works

This butterfly leg of lamb recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just need a hearty dinner option for your family. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

You can serve it sliced on its own or paired with your favorite sides – either way, it’s sure to be a hit! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does – let me know what you think!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Leg of Lamb with Herb Marinade

Q1: What is butterfly leg of lamb?

This recipe involves taking a leg of lamb and making incisions in it to allow for even cooking.

Q2: How do I prepare the lamb?

You’ll need to make incisions in the lamb, fill them with herbs and spices, and then tie up the meat with kitchen twine.

Q3: Can I use any type of meat for this recipe?

No, this recipe specifically calls for lamb.

Q4: What if I don’t have any kitchen twine?

You can use toothpicks instead if you don’t have twine.

Q5: Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this dish in a slow cooker – simply brown the lamb before adding it to the slow cooker with your desired seasonings.

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