Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze

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

Tender Australian lamb shoulder slow-roasted and finished with a tangy glaze made from native pepperberries and fresh lemon zest. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 215 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Rub 1.5 kg bone-in lamb shoulder with 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 4 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  2. Step 2: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a baking pan and roast uncovered for 3 hours until the meat is very tender.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 tbsp crushed dried pepperberries, 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, and 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the glaze over the lamb and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for an additional 15 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the edges crisp slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 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 Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze?

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 bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze?

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 Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze 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 Slow-Roasted Lamb with Lemon and Pepperberry Glaze?

Australian slow cooker 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.