Grilled Leg of Lamb

Grill a leg of lamb that's juicy, smoky, and low effort with a high reward! Butterflied for fast cooking, bursting with herb flavor, and perfect for any occasion from a Sunday supper to a holiday feast.

📝 Ingredients

• 3 to 5 lb butterflied boneless leg of American lamb
• 1 tsp Diamond kosher salt (or 3/4 tsp Morton kosher salt) per pound of lamb
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• Ground pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Olive oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Prepare the lamb at least 12 hours ahead and up to 2 days in advance. ---
2. 2Trim excess fat and remove silverskin using a sharp knife. Score the top layer of fat in a 1/2" crosshatch pattern, being careful not to slice into the flesh.
3. 3Using a meat pounder, or the back of a heavy skillet, pound the butterflied lamb leg so it is relatively even.
4. 4Season all sides very liberally with kosher salt.
5. 5Make the marinade paste by blending all marinade ingredients together with an immersion blender or food processor or use a mortar and pestle.
6. 6Spread the paste all over the lamb leg on a sheet pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours or preferably 24 hours.
7. 7Remove the lamb from the refrigerator to temper for about 30 minutes while you set up the grill. Insert a remote thermometer probe through the side of the thickest part of the meat.
8. 8Prepare the grill with a two-zone setup and bring the temperature up to 400° F. Preheat and add wood chips for extra smoke if desired. Clean and oil the grill grates using a canola oil-soaked paper towel and tongs.
9. 9Sear the leg (fat side down first) on the hot side of the grill for about 4 minutes per side to get a flavorful golden crust, then transfer to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid.
10. 10Continue to cook to an internal pull temperature of 125 to 130°F for medium-rare (will finish at 130-140° F) or 130 to 135° F for medium (will finish at 135-145° F). This will be approximately 12 minutes per pound. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness. The temperature will continue to rise 5 to 10 degrees after it is off the grill, so pull from the grill before it reaches the desired finished temperature.
11. 11Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
12. 12Carve the lamb leg by slicing against the grain. Enjoy!