Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with Herb Sauce

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

A slow-roasted lamb shoulder rubbed with a blend of primary and secondary spices, paired with a vibrant herb sauce featuring quaternary and quinary flavor notes. This mediterranean ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the entire 3 lb lamb shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, massaging it into the meat. Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  3. Step 3: Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 3 hours, basting every hour with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the surface is golden brown and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: While the lamb roasts, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a vibrant herb sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped with the fresh herb sauce for a bright contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 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 Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with Herb Sauce?

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 shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with 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 Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with 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 Spice-Rubbed Roast Lamb with Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean mediterranean 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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