Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus

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

Tender lamb shoulder slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, served with a vibrant herb jus that enhances the meat’s natural flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 220 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder with 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 3 hours uncovered, basting occasionally with its own juices until the meat is fork-tender and the exterior is deeply browned.
  3. Step 3: Remove the lamb and tent it with foil to rest. Meanwhile, pour 1 cup dry white wine and 1 cup beef broth into the roasting pan, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer the liquid on medium heat for 8 minutes until reduced by half.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley into the jus, strain if desired, and serve alongside the sliced lamb shoulder.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus take to make?

Total time is about 220 minutes (40 min prep + 180 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 Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus?

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 Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus?

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 Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus 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 Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Jus?

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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