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Butterflied Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb

Butterflied Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb

Butterflied herb roasted leg of lamb. The rich, succulent flavor of lamb is enhanced with a herb rub of rosemary, mint and garlic then roasted in a hot oven.
4.77 from 47 votes
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 563kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 oil-packed anchovies mashed
  • 5-6 garlic cloves finely chopped or grated
  • ½ cup packed fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 boneless 5-pound leg of lamb

Instructions

  • Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and unroll it on the cutting board. With a sharp knife trim off the excess fat and any gristle. 
  • To make the lamb the same thickness, butterfly-book the thick parts by making shallow diagonal slices and pressing the slices open like pages in a book. 
  • Then lightly score the the meat in a 1-inch crosshatch. Place the lamb on an oil-sprayed wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
  • To a small dish add the mashed anchovies, and the chopped garlic, mint and rosemary. Stir in the salt and olive oil. 
  • Rub the herb mixture over the prepared lamb, working the mixture into all the cuts and crevices. Let the lamb rest for an hour on the counter top to come to room temperature and absorb the herb flavor. 
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F Transfer the baking sheet with lamb still on the wire rack and roast the lamb for 25-35 minutes, depending on desired doneness. For medium-rare an instant-read thermometer will register 125 to 130°F
  • Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Roasting the lamb on a wire rack will ensure that hot air circulates over and under the lamb so that it roasts evenly.
  • Rare: 120° to 125° F – center is bright red, pinkish toward the exterior portion
  • Medium Rare: 130° to 135° F – center is very pink, slightly brown toward the exterior portion
  • Medium: 140° to 145° F – center is light pink, outer portion is brown
  • Medium Well: 150° to 155° F – not pink at all
  • Well Done: 160°F and above – meat is uniformly brown throughout

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 3oz. | Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 490mg