Oven-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb with Pan Gravy
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Elevate your dinner table with this juicy oven-roasted boneless leg of lamb! Marinated in garlic, coriander, cumin, thyme, and warm spices, then roasted to perfection and served with a rich pan gravy. Perfect for family dinner or holiday gathering!
This oven-roasted boneless leg of lamb is tender, juicy, and perfect for both special occasions and hearty family dinners. I season the lamb with a flavorful blend of garlic, coriander, cumin, thyme, and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes for a beautifully balanced crust. To help it cook evenly and infuse even more flavor, I cut the leg into smaller pieces and roast them over a bed of onion quarters. This trick not only shortens the cooking time but also creates rich, flavorful pan juices that make the best lamb gravy.
For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes roast the leg whole for a stunning centerpiece on the table—both versions are delicious. Be sure to check out my recipe tips and easy alternatives below for ways to customize your gravy. On busy weeknights I keep the gravy quick and simple, but you can always elevate it with extra herbs or spices. My family loves this dish, especially served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables—spinach is our favorite side.
What I love most about this dish is how it celebrates the spices I grew up on: allspice, ginger, and cumin. Together they make a tender, flavorful lamb leg that’s rich with Afro-Caribbean taste.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have dried thyme, you can use dried oregano or rosemary in the rub (same quantity) for a different herb profile. Fresh herbs can be used too – roughly triple the amount if using fresh, and mince them finely. For a classic lamb flavor, rosemary and garlic are a beloved combo (you could replace the coriander and cumin with a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary for a more traditional roast lamb flavor).
Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. If you love heat, increase to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Different Aromatics: Instead of placing onion quarters under the lamb, you can use other vegetables or aromatics. Carrot or celery chunks , or even whole garlic cloves, can serve as a roasting rack and will flavor the drippings. They won’t caramelize quite as much as onion, but they add nice aroma.
Gravy Variations: For extra flavor, try adding a touch of ginger and allspice to the gravy. Another option: add a sprig of rosemary or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for extra depth instead of the ginger/allspice. Strain the gravy for a velvety finish or leave it rustic – chef’s choice.
Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow any leftover lamb to cool to room temperature (do not leave it out for more than 2 hours for food safety). Wrap the slices of lamb tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . The gravy can be stored separately in a sealed container.
Freezing Leftovers: If you have a lot of leftover lamb, you can freeze it for later. Place sliced or chopped lamb in freezer-safe bags or containers (try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn). It will keep well for about 2–3 months in the freezer. For the gravy, you can freeze it too (in a small airtight container), although gravies may sometimes separate upon thawing – just reheat gently and whisk to bring it back together.
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Oven-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb with Pan Gravy
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yeild: 5-6
Description
Tender oven-roasted boneless leg of lamb, seasoned with garlic & herbs, and served with rich pan gravy from the drippings.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Roast:
For the Pan Gravy:
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Lamb
Gently clean your lamb leg then pat the lamb pieces dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, grated onion, grated ginger, ground coriander, cumin, all spice, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt. Add olive oil to the spices to form a paste. Rub this paste all over the lamb pieces, coating them thoroughly. For maximum flavor, allow lamb to marinate for at least 1 hour or even overnight in the fridge before roasting.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Place your oven on broil at 450°F. Place the four onion quarters in the bottom of a roasting pan. Set a roasting rack on top of the onions (or use the onions themselves as a makeshift rack) and lightly oil the rack to prevent sticking. Position the seasoned lamb pieces on the rack, spaced slightly apart. The onions underneath will catch the drippings and impart flavor as the lamb roasts.
Step 3: Broil the lamb
Broil the meat for approximately 20–30 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a piece reads about 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. (For medium, aim for around 140°F.) The exact time will vary depending on your oven and the size of each piece – roughly, a lamb roast takes about 16–18 minutes per pound to reach medium-rare to medium doneness. Tip: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your lamb is cooked perfectly to your liking without overcooking. Lamb leg is a lean cut and cooking it beyond medium can cause it to dry out, so checking the temperature is key to a juicy roast.
Step 4: Rest the Lamb
Once the lamb reaches your desired internal temperature (130°F for a rosy pink medium-rare, or up to 150°F if you prefer it more well-done), remove the roasting pan from the oven. Transfer the lamb pieces to a plate or cutting board and tent with foil. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and moister when you slice it. Don’t skip this step – patience pays off with a juicier result!
Step 5: Prepare the Pan Gravy
While the lamb rests, turn the pan drippings into a rich, silky lamb gravy. Pour the hot drippings and roasted onions into a blender and blend until completely smooth, then set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and just starting to foam. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the blended drippings, whisking as you go to create a lump-free sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon olive oil and add a splash of water if needed to reach your preferred gravy thickness. Finish by seasoning with beef bouillon to taste for deep, savory flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the roasted lamb piping hot with the rich pan gravy drizzled over the top or offered on the side. Pair it with your favorite sides — creamy mashed potatoes, golden roasted potatoes, and a fresh green vegetable are classic choices.
Nutrition Facts
Category: Dinner
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