Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic

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

Rich and tender smoked lamb neck slow-cooked with fresh rosemary and garlic for a deep, savory flavor. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 380 minutes pairs lamb neck, chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 360 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and soak 2 cups of apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest to create a fragrant herb paste.
  3. Step 3: Rub the herb paste thoroughly over all sides of the 3 lb lamb neck.
  4. Step 4: Place the lamb neck on the smoker grate, add the soaked apple wood chips to the smoker box, and smoke the meat for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb neck from the smoker, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic?

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 neck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic?

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 Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic 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 Smoked Lamb Neck with Rosemary and Garlic?

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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