Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender oven-roasted lamb infused with garlic and lemon, complemented by Mediterranean herbs for a flavorful and aromatic main dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 100 minutes pairs lamb leg, garlic cloves, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Using a small knife, make 12 small slits all over the 3 lbs bone-in lamb leg. Insert 6 sliced garlic cloves evenly into these slits.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Rub the olive oil and herb mixture all over the lamb leg, coating evenly. Place the lamb on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
  4. Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before carving and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb leg from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Garlic and Lemon?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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