With fresh herbs flavor infused in the meat, this roast boneless leg of lamb recipe comes out juicy, tender, and flavorful every time. Leg of lamb has a delicate flavor that makes it a delicious alternative to everyday proteins like chicken and beef. Even though its mostly served for Easter dinner and other special occasions, it’s not hard to master cooking a perfectly tender roast boneless leg of lamb any time of year. Just like a beef prime rib roast or a pork loin roast, all it takes is a handful of seasonings and following the right steps to get juicy and flavorful results.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for roasted boneless leg of lamb, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Boneless Leg of Lamb – I like a boneless cut rather than bone-in, because it’s leaner than lamb shoulder and once it’s rolled and tied, the meat cooks evenly and is easier to slice. Avoid trimming any fat that might be on the leg, since this will make it more juicy and flavorful.Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.Olive Oil – Olive oil has a mild flavor, but any available oil will work.Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must here, since we’re crushing it.Fresh Herbs – Including rosemary and thyme. Save some full sprigs for a garnish if you like.Lemon Zest – Elevates the robust seasonings. I prefer the concentrated flavor of zest, but a couple teaspoons of lemon juice would also work.
How To Make A Boneless Leg of Lamb
This section shows how to cook a boneless leg of lamb roast recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
How Long To Cook Boneless Leg Of Lamb?
For a 5-lb boneless leg of lamb, expect to cook for 80-85 minutes at 400 degrees F to reach medium rare doneness. However, times can vary depending on the size of the lamb. Use a meat thermometer and remove lamb from the oven about 10 degrees lower than your preferred level of doneness, as residual heat will continue cooking the meat during resting. This chart shows the proper cook time and temperature for roasting leg of lamb (boneless). Cooking beyond medium is not recommended, as the meat can start to taste gamey. Note: The times and temperatures above are before resting. The internal temperature will rise another 10 degrees while the meat rests.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in a covered container up to 3 days in the fridge.Reheat: Reheat this recipe for boneless leg of lamb similarly to how you’d reheat a roasted beef tenderloin. Wrap the roast in 2 layers of foil and place directly onto the oven grates, and bake for about 10-15 minutes at 250-300 degrees F, until warm. Avoid using a baking dish, which will lead to overheating.Freeze: Cooked and cooled portions of leg of lamb can store in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
What To Serve With Leg of Lamb
Lamb goes best with other robust flavored dishes like these: Here’s how to cook boneless leg of lamb for perfect results every time! Keep these tips in mind.
Bring to room temperature. Allow lamb to come to room temperature after seasoning with salt and pepper, for 60 minutes before cooking. This will allow it to cook more evenly, plus the salt and pepper act as a dry brine, making the meat more juicy. Don’t overcook. Always use a meat thermometer when cooking lamb to ensure it reaches the right temperature. Rest the meat. Let the lamb roast rest at least 10 before slicing, so juices can circulate back into the meat. Cut correctly. For the most tender slices, slice lamb roast across the grain.
Sauces – Aside from the “standard” gluten-free gravy, horseradish sauce (in the photos), or mint sauce, homemade chimichurri sauce adds a bright and tangy flavor to roasted lamb.Starches – Serve roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or even roasted rutabaga or mashed cauliflower.Vegetables – Prep this roast leg of lamb boneless recipe in the oven with balsamic mushrooms, caramelized brussels sprouts, or parmesan roasted broccoli and cauliflower.Salads – Choose salads with a lot of colorful contrast like Israeli salad, creamy cucumber salad, or Greek salad.
More Lamb Recipes
Once you’ve mastered making a boneless leg of lamb, here are some other methods and recipes to try: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
