5 Tips for Super-Tender, Super-Flavorful Lamb
If you’ve never cooked a leg of lamb, tackling it for the first time can seem downright intimidating. It’s a pretty large and expensive cut of meat, and you only have one try to get it right. That said, leg of lamb is a simple cut of meat to cook, and it rewards you with a tender, flavorful meal. Whether it’s your first time cooking lamb, or you’ve done it before, take these five little tips into the kitchen with you.
1. Choose the right cut for you.
Choosing a bone-in or boneless cut of meat is entirely up to you and depends on personal preference. While it’s a little trickier to carve, I love bone-in because it has more flavor. Either way, though, you can season a leg of lamb with your favorite herbs and spices, inside and out.
2. Skip the marinade.
One of the roles of a marinade is to help break down fibers in tougher cuts of meat. Since leg of lamb is a naturally tender cut of meat, it doesn’t need it. In fact, marinating this cut could actually make it tougher. Stick with a simple seasoning of herbs, garlic, and mustard, or your favorite spice rub.
3. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness.
Cooks have strong opinions about how well-done their lamb should be. Some prefer it very rare; others want it well-done throughout. Leg of lamb is tender and juicy and will be good along a wide spectrum of doneness. So know what you like and use a meat thermometer and this chart to achieve the results you want.
Cooking Times for Lamb
Roasting Temperature: 325°F
- Rare: 125°F (about 15 minutes per pound)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F to 135°F (about 20 minutes per pound)
- Medium: 135°F to 140°F (about 25 minutes per pound)
- Well-Done: 155°F to 165°F (about 30 minutes per pound)
4. Let the meat rest after cooking.
Like with all other cuts of meat, it’s important to let the roasted leg of lamb rest for about 20 minutes after coming out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute back into the meat instead of running all over the platter or cutting board.
5. Always slice against the grain.
You’ve cooked a beautiful piece of meat, now it’s just as important that you slice it correctly. Lamb should always be sliced against the grain to get the most tender slices.
When you’re all done, know that you can freeze leftovers! Cut any leftovers into slices, wrap them in foil, and freeze them for later. To reheat the meat without overcooking it, place the foil-wrapped lamb in a 350°F oven until it’s warm.