Christmas Leg Of Lamb Recipes (2024)

Oh, so we see with the festive season around the corner, you are in the mood for some lamb! Well, that is a great idea to escalate the joy of the occasion! But if you are cooking lamb for the first time then here are some Christmas leg of lamb recipes and hacks to keep in your head as well. Lambs are rich and succulent meat and something all of us have ordered at least sometimes in the restaurant! However, they are, needless to say, pretty expensive to always dine out! Hence here are ways and hacks which will help you to make them at home now.

Tips to making wonderful and succulent lamb at home

1. First of all you need to choose the right kind of meat for yourself-

Whether you want a boneless or bone-in variety of meat, depends upon your preference totally in the case of lamb. However, lamb legs taste the best when cooked bone-in. It holds the succulence of the meat intact. Bone in can be a little difficult to carve but we like it because they are even more tasteful than the boneless form. However, either way, you can always choose to spice your lamb legs well and they are good to go in the oven.

2. If you wish then you can skip the process of marinating-

Do you know what is the main reason behind marinating the meat, you wish to tenderize the meat but here in this case, the lamb legs are already super soft so there is no need for a marinade. In fact, on the contrary, the meat can harden itself in the presence of marinade. Simple seasoning with mustard, curd, and so on is good enough.

3. You always need a meat thermometer handy-

When you are processing the meat, you always need a meat thermometer handy! This will enable you to keep a record of the internal temperature of the meat and prevent it from being overcooked or remaining raw. No matter which sort of meat you are cooking and especially in the case of lamb legs, not the duration of the cooking but the temperature is the vital factor to take into consideration. And to be precise with that you need a thermometer always in hand. Hence buy one before you cook meat next time at home. Here we are mentioning some parameters to record the condition of the meat depending on the given temperature.

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. Never forget to let the meat rest after it is cooked-

Whether you are roasting the meat, grilling, or any sort of technique, it is essential for you to allow the meat to rest once it is cooked. And this idea applies to all kinds of meat whenever you cook them at home. Twenty to thirty minutes of resting is minimal as you bring the meat out of the oven. This is because of the time period during which you allow the meat to relax, the juices are released and the seasonings further imbibe into the skin of the meat! You should not serve the meat immediately after it is brought out of the oven since the temperature of the meat continues to rise even when the heating source is removed for a while.

5. How do you slice the meat-

In order to serve the meat once it is cooked you need to slice it properly! There is a proper technique for slicing every sort of meat! So if you are cooking lamb legs or any other lamb portion the technique is to slice it against the grain.

If there are any leftovers in the kitchen then you can slice them as well! Store in a foil, wrap well, and refrigerate them for the next day! This way you can ensure that through proper wrapping, the meat stays fresh, juicy, and intact. When you are reheating the meat, make sure that you do not remove the foil wrap or the meat might turn out to be overcooked. In this state, you place the meat in the oven at a temperature of 350°F. Once the meat is warm enough you can serve them for brunch the next day again! But you should not skip on thawing the meat at room temperature first! Directly transferring them from the refrigerator to the oven can lead to a drastic transition in temperature and affect the texture and taste of the leftover meat. If you are careful, then even leftover meat can taste exactly like fresh!

Top hacks to roasting your lamb legs well

If you are roasting lamb for the first time and worried about how you can do it the best way, then we have a short guide for you! Does not matter whether you are doing it for the first time or have done it for a long, these tips are always going to help you out.

It is so comforting to indulge in lamb meat during the winter and we can't wait to learn how to do it with expertise.

How to roast the lamb- this is to be noted that the legs and the racks are the most tender cut of the lamb! A rack takes much less time than a leg but both are still suitable for roasting since comparatively, these parts of the meat are too tender and juicy. For preparing that rack, you need twenty-five minutes to cook the meat at 220°C. In the case of lamb legs, you need the temperature to be present at 180°C for thirty minutes for every 500 grams.

Lamb is served best when the meat is served rare or medium rare. The temperature of the meat should be around rare at 60°C, medium-rare at 60-65°C, and medium at 65-70°C.

If you are slow roasting, braising, or stewing, shanks, and shoulder cuts are the best as these have more connective tissues.

When you are roasting the lamb, make sure that the pan should be high enough so that if the juice spurts, it does not flow out. Also, make sure that the pan is not too big and near the size of the lamb piece so that the juice does not spread too much or get burnt. Spoon the juice over the meat every twenty-thirty minutes.

Here are some wonderful Christmas leg of lamb recipes that you can definitely try out!

Delicious Christmas Leg Of Lamb Recipes To Try This Year

1. Roasted leg of lamb

Totally fuss-free and easy, the recipe for lamb legs is simply the best! Topped with herbs and seasonings, the dish is perfect to make your festive season, even more, fun and exciting.

2. Spicy and tender roasted legs of lamb

If you are fond of roasted legs then you must go for the spicy and tender roasted lamb recipe! Fascinating and gorgeous, there is no way you can resist yourself grabbing your share. Shall we try it then?

3. Ultra-easy slow-roasted lamb legs

Gorgeous and succulent, the slow-rated lamb is an easy one to tackle when you are making lamb for the first time in the house. Delicious and juicy, there is no way you should miss out on this treat!

4. Juicy slow-roasted lamb

Well, the idea for slow-roasted lamb will speak for itself! You can try out this one during the holidays and impress every guest at the dinner! Winters are the perfect time to indulge in the comforting and warm roasted lamb platter.

5. Butterflied grilled leg of lamb with lemon, garlic, and rosemary

The combination of garlic and rosemary gives a contrasting flavor to the legs! Seasoned with lemon juice, this recipe is fascinating and renders one simply speechless. Go for this amazing juicy plate of meat right away!

6. Slow cooker leg of lamb

The slow-cooked leg of lamb is ideal for the holidays! Gorgeous and juicy, the recipe is wonderful and renders one simply spellbound. So let's not waste a single minute and work on the meat for tonight's dinner.

7. Slow-roasted boneless legs of lambs

Succulent, rich, and juicy, the boneless leg of lamb is a wonderful idea if you do not wish to deal with the hassle of chewing on the bones. Tossed with potatoes into a slurpy gravy, do not miss out on this one.

8. Roasted lamb legs with Greek-style marinade

Here is a unique idea that we are sure you will be smitten by! The fantastic Greek-style marinade is brilliant and packed with juicy meat! So let's not waste a single minute more and get started already.

9. Grilled leg of lambs

The grilled leg of lamb is wonderful and served with sizzling seasoning! Succulent and rich, you must give it a try! As a beginner, the recipe is highly recommended as nothing can go wrong with this one.

10. Roasted boneless legs of lamb

Succulent and juicy, the roasted boneless leg of lamb will melt in your mouth in no time. Drizzled with spicy gravy, the idea is so marvelous that you will be rendered speechless. Let's not waste a single second and get started.

11. Garlic and herb-roasted boneless legs of lamb

The combination of roasted garlic with subtle herb essence is one of the most amazing treats of all time! The succulent boneless legs will steal the show with their presence on the holiday dinner table. Shall we try it then?

12. Fork tender leg of lamb

Here is another wonderful dish for the meat-lovers! The tender and succulent meat ready with marvelous seasoning is indeed the best that you can think of! Rich and packed with flavors, the recipe deserves every word of praise! Truly satiating for the taste buds.

13. Tender leg of lamb

The classic tender leg of lamb is another extraordinary creation! Fascinating and fabulous, the tender leg of lamb is one of its kind. Perfect to go with a couple of chunky potatoes on the sides.

14. Herb, garlic and dijon roasted leg of lamb

The combination of herb and garlic renders one simply speechless! The presence of dijon mustard renders the dish with a sense of soothing flavor to the delight of the taste buds. So this season, let's give it a try!

15. Butterfly herb roasted legs of lamb

The gorgeous and succulent roaster legs of lamb resting on the plate at dinnertime is indeed something that excites one so much. Such a delightful idea to render one simply spellbound you hog down one bite after another.

16. Grilled leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic, and mint

The combination of rosemary and garlic is a showstopper! Further flavored with mint, here is another brilliant choice of dish for the ones fond of lamb! If you are making lamb for the first time at home, this recipe is very useful.

17. Smoked leg of lamb

The smoked leg of lamb is an amazing treat for the meat-lovers! We are certain that you will fall in love with the treat at the very first bite. Let's get started then? Shall we then?

18. Slow cooker leg of lamb

Tender, easy and succulent, the leg of lamb is a wonderful idea for the holidays! Delectable and juicy, the recipe is one of its kind! So special that the guests will not leave the table before they praise your creation.

19. Tuscan-style leg of lamb roast

The Tuscan-style leg of lamb is a wonderful recipe with authentic spices! The subtle influence of rosemary and lemon makes this a gorgeous idea for the holidays! Let's not waste a single second and get started already!

20. Slow-roasted leg of lamb

Slow-roasted leg of lamb is such an exciting treat to relish this season! Lovely and gorgeous, the recipe is fabulous and flooded with great taste. Sprinkled with white wine, the recipe is so simple indeed. Shall we?

Christmas Leg Of Lamb Recipes

5.0 from 1 vote

This Christmas, impress your family and friends with these delicious legs of lamb recipes. Get ready to savor the unique flavors of lamb prepared with a festive twist. Try out these recipes and find out why Christmas and leg of lamb are the perfect combinations!

Ingredients

Leg of lamb bone-in
Whole garlic cloves
Dried oregano
Dried mint flakes
Paprika
Ground nutmeg
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh lemon juice

Directions

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Learn all the tips and tricks to make the perfect dish every time.
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Frequently asked questions associated with making roasted lamb legs

1. What is the best method of making roasted lamb?

Grilling, boiling, and roasting, lamb tastes good no matter which way you make the dish. Lambs are always such an Excellent idea and taste so candid and succulent! However, these are tender meat and are prone to getting too dry!

2. How can you cook lamb without getting it too dry?

Slow cooking in liquid is the method that is involved in making the meat tender and juicy!

3. How can you make lamb tender and juicy?

If you observe that the lamb is turning too dry then there is a way to make the lamb juicy and detectable. Cornstarch and baking soda can do the job well.

4. How long should you cook the lamb?

Lamb must be allowed to be cooked for about twenty-five to thirty minutes in medium heat! The temperature should be kept around 135°-140°F.

5. Should lamb be cooked?

Slow-cooking lamb is the ideal method to roast them so that you do not end up turning the meat too dry! The lamb meat should melt off the bone a little and then you shall know that the meat is ready!

6. How can you make your lamb taste better?

Make use of aromatic spices for the lamb when you are cooking the meat! The commonly used spices include feta cheese, olives and tomatoes, and so on.

7. What is the main ingredient which you should add before making the roast?

You must soak the meat in lemon water for about thirty minutes so that the meat becomes tender!

Bottom Line:

In conclusion, the Christmas leg of lamb recipes celebrates the season with a delicious centerpiece for your holiday menu that will please everyone around the table. Whether you're looking for traditional ideas like a classic lamb roast with herbs and garlic, or you want to shake things up with something new and exciting like an East-meets-West lamb and noodles dish, there are plenty of delicious recipes to choose from. This Christmas, don't be afraid to try something new - the festive flavors of your lamb recipes will bring joy to your holiday table.

So, make your holiday meal something special this year with a delicious leg of lamb at the center of your table. As Julia Child said, “People who love to eat are always the best people” - and it's sure to be a holiday to remember.

Happy cooking!