Description
This Easter Garlic Butter Roasted Leg of Lamb recipe features tender, juicy leg of lamb infused with a fragrant garlic and rosemary butter. Roasted to perfection with a hint of lemon juice, this classic dish is perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 bone-in leg of lamb
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the leg of lamb evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary to create a flavorful and aromatic paste.
- Season Lamb: Generously season the bone-in leg of lamb with salt and pepper all over to enhance its natural flavors.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly rub the garlic butter mixture all over the lamb, making sure every surface is coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lamb to add a bright, tangy layer of flavor before roasting.
- Roast Lamb: Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.
- Serve: Carve the lamb and serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete Easter meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Letting the lamb rest is crucial to maintain juiciness.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb with the garlic butter mixture a few hours or overnight before roasting.
- If preferred, adjust roasting time for desired doneness: 125°F for rare, 145°F for medium.
- Leftover lamb makes great sandwiches or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: leg of lamb, garlic butter, roasted lamb, Easter recipe, rosemary lamb, oven roasted lamb
