Perfectly Roasted Greek Butterflied Lamb Leg Recipe

Oh man, if you’re looking for a dish that’s just bursting with flavor and has that beautiful Mediterranean vibe, then you gotta try this Greek Butterflied Lamb Leg. Honestly, every time I make this, it feels like a mini family celebration. Picture this: the aroma of garlic and rosemary wafting through the house, that tender lamb just waiting to be savored. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, and it really, really shines at gatherings. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any scraps behind!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super juicy, like melt-in-your-mouth kind of good.
• The marinade is, oh my goodness, so aromatic! Fresh herbs and garlic—just wow!
• Perfectly impressive for gatherings—your guests will rave about it.
• Pretty laid-back to make, even if you’re a little nervous in the kitchen.
• Leftovers! If you are lucky enough to have any, they make for amazing sandwiches the next day.

The first time I made this, I was completely blown away… my family couldn’t get enough, we ended up eating it for days!

What You’ll Need

• Butterflied Lamb Leg: about 2 kg of juicy, tender meat—ask your butcher to butterfly it for you.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced—because garlic is life, right?
• Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons, chopped—adds that earthy scent that just feels right.
• Fresh Oregano: 2 tablespoons, chopped—absolutely necessary for that authentic Greek flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped—I love the fresh burst it adds!
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup, for that zesty brightness that cuts through.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup—nothing fancy, just good quality.
• Salt: to taste—don’t be shy!
• Black Pepper: to taste—totally makes it pop.

Easy How-To

Marinade Magic

Alright, so the first step is to whip up that marinade. Grab a bowl—any bowl will do—combine your olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Just mix it all together until it’s, you know, well blended. It really captures that special Greek flavor… you’ll see!

Get Cozy

Now, take your butterflied lamb leg and plop it into a big ziplock bag or a nice dish. Pour that beautiful marinade all over the lamb, making sure it’s well-coated—like, really get in there! Seal up the bag or cover the dish tightly, and just let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours… but overnight, oh my, that’s the magic ticket!

Heat Things Up

Time to get cooking! If you’re firing up the grill, preheat it to medium-high. If you’re keeping it indoors, crank up the oven to around 200°C (400°F). Either way, it’s gonna be delicious!

Room for Relaxation

Before you cook, let your lamb sit out for about 30 minutes—it helps it cook evenly, and trust me, you want that. While it’s lounging, take a deep breath and maybe prep some sides or just relax…

Cook it Up

If grilling, place the lamb on that hot grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes per side. You want it to reach your ideal level of doneness—if you prefer routine, go for medium! For roasting, pop it in the baking tray and let it roast for about 40 to 50 minutes. Just keep an eye on it, okay?

Let it Rest

Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it rest. This is super important—10 to 15 minutes, at least. It helps all those juicy flavors settle back into the meat… it’s worth the wait!

Serve and Savor

After it’s rested, slice your lamb against the grain into thin pieces. Serve it up with whatever sides you love—grilled veggies, rice, whatever makes your heart sing. Enjoy every bite!

Good to Know

• Choosing quality lamb makes a huge difference in flavor, so don’t skimp here.
• Marinate for longer—really! It enhances tenderness and flavor so much.
• Using a meat thermometer can be a game changer for perfect doneness—aim for 60°C for medium-rare.

Serving Ideas

• Pair it with a fresh Greek salad, or maybe some roasted veggies… perfect combo!

Top Tricks

• Don’t rush the resting time—it makes the lamb so much juicier and flavorful!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a butterflied lamb leg?

A butterflied lamb leg is when the leg is cut open and flattened for faster, more even cooking. It helps the flavors really mingle during the cooking process!

How long should I marinate the lamb?

For the best results, aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is really the sweet spot for flavor.

What’s the best cooking method for butterflied lamb?

Grilling is fantastic for it. The high heat sears the outside beautifully while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

How long should I let the lamb rest after cooking?

Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This time is crucial for juicy, tender slices!

Can I use a different cut of meat for this technique?

Absolutely! You can use pork or even chicken following the same butterflying technique. Just be mindful of cooking times.

Conclusion

The Greek Butterflied Lamb Leg is… wow… such a celebration of flavor! It captures that beautiful tradition of Greek cooking, and honestly, it’s a dish that will have everyone talking around the table. So, the next time you’re looking to impress or just enjoy some good food, this is it. You won’t regret it!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

You might want to try an herb-crusted rack of lamb next. Can you imagine the flavors? Rosemary, garlic, and a bit of Dijon mustard… so gourmet!

Lamb Kofta Skewers

Or how about lamb kofta skewers? Seasoned beautifully with spices, these are awesome as appetizers, especially with a nice yogurt dip.

Greek Salad with Feta

Pair the lamb with a fresh Greek salad—ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and of course, crumbled feta… so fresh!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers make a colorful and delicious side—as fresh as it gets!

Thyme and Lemon Rice

And a side of thyme and lemon rice, just imagine that zesty goodness. Perfect match for the lamb.

Grilled Pita Bread

And don’t forget warm, grilled pita bread… perfect for soaking up those tasty juices.

Baklava for Dessert

And for dessert, some sweet baklava, so satisfying after the meal. It’s the cherry on top of a lovely evening!