Mediterranean Herb & Garlic Grilled Leg of Lamb
This Mediterranean-inspired Grilled Leg of Lamb, marinated in a vibrant garlic and herb lemon mixture, is the centerpiece of any gathering. The marinade infuses the meat with a burst of flavor that complements its natural richness, making it a favorite for special occasions or family barbecues. For best results, plan ahead and allow the lamb to marinate for at least 24 hours, giving the flavors time to penetrate the meat. The butterflied leg of lamb, which can be prepared by your butcher, allows for even cooking and smoky goodness on the grill. If you love lemon, feel free to add extra slices to deepen the citrus notes. This dish is perfect for those seeking tender and juicy lamb with a slightly pink interior, precisely cooked for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair it with fresh vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
467
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leg of lamb
1 (Bone-in or butterflied)
Fresh minced garlic cloves
4-5 (To taste)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (N/A)
Red wine
1 cup (N/A)
Dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Dried parsley
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Green onions
5-6 (Chopped, optional)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Large lemon
1 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
In a medium glass bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley, green onions (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Place the leg of lamb, whether bone-in or butterflied, into a large heavy-duty plastic bag or a glass bowl.
3
Pour the marinade over the lamb, ensuring it covers the meat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
4
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, turning the lamb occasionally to allow the marinade to infuse the meat thoroughly.
5
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to high heat.
6
Remove the lamb from the marinade, setting aside the marinade for potential basting during grilling.
7
Sear the lamb on both sides for approximately 5 minutes each, ensuring a crispy exterior.
8
Lower the grill temperature to medium and continue cooking the lamb, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Baste with leftover marinade during cooking if desired.
9
Remove the lamb from the grill, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
32g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Herb & Garlic Grilled Leg of Lamb?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring lamb marinated in a vibrant garlic and herb lemon mixture, grilled to be tender and juicy.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How long should I marinate the leg of lamb?
For the best results, you should allow the lamb to marinate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
Can I use a bone-in leg of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a bone-in or a butterflied leg of lamb.
What are the benefits of using a butterflied leg of lamb?
A butterflied leg of lamb allows for even cooking and gains a smoky flavor from the grill.
What type of wine is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of red wine for the marinade.
How many garlic cloves are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 to 5 fresh minced garlic cloves, adjusted to your taste.
What herbs are included in the marinade?
The marinade includes dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
How should I start the grilling process?
You should preheat your grill to high heat and sear the lamb on both sides for about 5 minutes each.
What is the next step after searing the lamb?
After searing, lower the grill temperature to medium and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired doneness.
Should I save the marinade after removing the meat?
Yes, set aside the marinade as it can be used for basting the lamb during the grilling process.
How long should the lamb rest before serving?
The lamb should rest for about 10 minutes after being removed from the grill before slicing.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 32 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add extra lemon flavor?
Yes, you can add extra lemon slices during preparation to deepen the citrus notes.
What kind of container is best for marinating?
A large heavy-duty plastic bag or a medium glass bowl is recommended for marinating the lamb.
Are green onions required for this recipe?
No, the 5-6 chopped green onions are listed as an optional ingredient.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredients used in this Mediterranean lamb recipe.
What should the interior of the lamb look like when done?
This recipe is perfected for a slightly pink interior that is tender and juicy.
What are some suggested side dishes?
The lamb pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables or a crisp salad.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for holiday recipes and family gatherings.
How should the lemon be prepared?
One large lemon should be juiced and added to the marinade mixture.
Should the marinade be whisked?
Yes, you should whisk together the garlic, oil, wine, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
How often should the lamb be turned while marinating?
You should turn the lamb occasionally while it is refrigerating to ensure even infusion.
Can I prepare the butterflied lamb myself?
While you can, the recipe suggests having your butcher prepare the butterflied leg for you.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe is calculated for 6 total servings.
What makes the lamb melt-in-your-mouth?
The combination of a long marinating time and precise cooking results in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Is salt and pepper measured?
Salt and pepper are added to taste according to the recipe instructions.
What is the purpose of the red wine in the marinade?
The red wine helps create a flavorful marinade that complements the natural richness of the lamb.