Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb Citrus Marinade

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

Succulent lamb shoulder slow-roasted in a bright and aromatic herb citrus marinade, perfect for a special occasion. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 330 minutes blends lamb shoulder bone-in, olive oil, lemon juice 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 520 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: 30 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp orange zest until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder in a large roasting pan and pour the herb citrus marinade over it, rubbing it into all sides. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove lamb from marinade and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Roast lamb uncovered for 4 to 5 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove lamb from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over slices to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 330 minutes (30 min prep + 300 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 Herb Citrus Marinade?

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 Herb Citrus Marinade?

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 Herb Citrus Marinade 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 Herb Citrus Marinade?

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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