Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Citrus and Herb Sauce

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

Tender lamb slow-roasted to perfection, served with a bright citrus and herb sauce that enhances its natural flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 205 minutes blends bone-in lamb shoulder, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder with 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme leaves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 3 hours, basting every hour with its juices, until the meat is fork-tender and the surface is golden brown.
  3. Step 3: While the lamb roasts, combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley in a small bowl to make the citrus herb sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lamb from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with the citrus herb sauce for a refreshing finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Citrus and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (25 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

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 with Citrus and Herb Sauce 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 with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

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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