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    You are here: Home / Special Diets / Omnivore / Smoked Leg of Lamb

    Smoked Leg of Lamb

    26 March 2019 - By Michelle Minnaar
    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Facebook32TweetPin305Yummly14Shares351
    Jump to Recipe

    If you are looking at this smoked leg of lamb recipe, then I commend you for intending to cook with this beautiful ingredient. Most people shy away from cooking with a large piece of meat like this because they worry that they will get the cooking time wrong.


    A close up of a smoked leg of lamb

    Sometimes we refrain from cooking these types of recipes out of a (misplaced) fear of the complexity. Well, making this smoked leg of lamb was a piece of cake and there was nothing complex about it, apart from the flavours.

    This smoked leg of lamb recipe made Greek-style gets really easy if you have an electrical smoker at home, but of course you can opt for using any type of smoker.

    What's best is that you can tweak the Greek flavours and put your own favourite herb rub on the lamb! Enjoy!

    boneless smoked leg of lamb recipe

    As mentioned above, this smoked leg of lamb recipe is a Greek-style recipe. Meaning, it calls for traditional Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, lemon zest, garlic and olive oil.

    A splendid combination to complement the bold flavours of the lamb. In addition, this smoked leg of lamb recipe calls for a boned leg of lamb, which means that the bone has been taken out.

    It's best to source the lamb at your local butcher and ask him/her directly for this cut.
    If at this point you are wondering whether or not you can make this smoked leg of lamb recipe with the bone inside, the answer is YES!

    Indeed, you can keep the bone. However, expect the cooking time to vary, as it will take longer for the lamb to cook in the smoker.  

    You can also consider other cuts of lamb for this recipe. The lamb shoulder cut will do the trick.

    If you change your mind, you can use it to make this lovely 7 hour slow-roast shoulder of lamb. In addition, the spicing is appropriate also for making a BBQ rack of lamb Greek-style.

    smoked leg of lamb brine

    I often use brining when cooking meat recipes because the cuts tend to be much more tender. Mostly, I use brine with poultry recipes. However, the technique works with other types of meat too, like this leg of lamb.

    The best part about the brining process is that you can use it for three things. First, it makes the meat more tender.

    Second, your meat will not dry out (especially if you are roasting it or smoking it) as it absorbs the water cells.

    Third, you can already use the brine to flavour your lamb to make it the best smoked leg of lamb ever!

    For example, you can add paprika powder, herbs, zest, vinegar, you name it. Whatever your preference.

    The general rule for brining a leg of lamb is the following:

    • 1-2 pounds of lamb: 2 hours minimum (in the fridge)
    • 2-4 pounds of lamb: 3-4 hours minimum (in the fridge)

    Prior to cooking the leg of lamb, take it out so it can reach room temperature.
    To learn more about brining, just check out my ultimate guide to brining chicken. Here you'll learn how to brine an entire chicken along with other cuts as well.
    Ingredients to make smoked leg of lamb

    leg of lamb smoker

    Again, my recommendation is to use an electric smoker. However, any type of smoker will do for this smoked leg of lamb recipe!

    what is the best wood for smoking lamb?

    In general, I recommend sticking to oak. It is the universal wood for smoking any type of meat. However these will also do the trick and yield excellent results:

    • hickory
    • mesquite
    • apple
    • pecan

    smoked leg of lamb Greek-style

    My smoked leg of lamb calls for rosemary, lemon zest, garlic and olive oil. However, you can interchange the rosemary with oregano in combination with thyme.

    You will still respect the Greek Mediterranean flavours. If you are not the biggest fan of thyme, then opt for oregano on its own. As a last resort, you can combine it with a bit of dried basil. 

    To keep things as Greek as possible, pair it with a simple Greek salad.
    Sliced lamb on tin foil

    bbq leg of lamb

    If you are looking for those typical bbq flavours, then look no further. You need to try this amazing gluten-free barbecue sauce!

    Simply rub the barbecue sauce on the leg of lamb. Apply the sauce generously for the maximum amount of flavour. 

    The barbecue sauce works perfectly well as a dip for baked sweet potato fries. Oh so good! They make the perfect party food! Plus, they are super-addictive.

    smoked leg of lamb, Indian

    If you are willing to try something different and more exotic, then this following flavour combination is for you. Try my Indian roast leg of lamb recipe which combines madras powder, ginger powder and coriander powder.

    All of these spices are mixed in a yoghurt base with sugar, lemon, ketchup and chilli. So, as you can see, this leg of lamb recipe is made Indian-style with typical Asian spices.

    Do you dare to try smoked leg of lamb in a different way? If you haven't got any coriander at home, then you needn't panic. These top coriander substitutes will help you out.


    Lamb covered in a cream sauce and parsley

    what to serve with smoked leg of lamb

    Lamb is a very nutritious ingredient. It is full of essential nutrients and rich in vitamins. Nonetheless, if you feel like this smoked leg of lamb is too filling for you, then I recommend combining it with a vibrant pumpkin and beetroot salad.

    The sweet and earthy flavours of the vegetables pair exceptionally well with the bold flavours of the lamb.

    For a more traditional side, you can opt to make these rosemary roast potatoes. Plus, you'll get to be economical and use the leftover rosemary the smoked leg of lamb calls for.

    For a creamier alternative, go for this roasted sweet potato mash, which is perfect with any roast meat recipe.

    My favourite pairing with this smoked leg of lamb would be these spicy low fat potato wedges with mint raita. Besides, what's a lamb recipe without that traditional mint sauce to go with it, right?

    What is your favourite way to prepare leg of lamb?

    Print
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    Leg of Lamb

    Smoked Leg of Lamb


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Michelle Minnaar
    • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Make this easy smoked leg of lamb recipe Greek style. Use garlic, lemon zest, rosemary and traditional seasoning for the rub. Learn all about smoking lamb.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
    • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
    • 45ml (3 tbsp) rosemary leaves, washed and finely chopped
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) sea salt
    • 15ml (1 tbsp) black pepper, freshly ground
    • 60ml (4 tbsp) olive oil
    • 1kg (2lbs) boned leg of lamb

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the smoker on a high setting and fill the smoking box with wood chips.
    2. Wait for 10 minutes until the chips begin to smoke, then change the heat setting to low.
    3. Mix the garlic, lemon zest and juice, rosemary, salt, pepper and olive oil in a bowl.
    4. Rub the mixture all over the lamb and place the meat in the smoker.
    5. Close lid and cook until the lamb’s internal temperature is 62°C (145°F). This takes about 2 hours and the lamb would be medium. Always use a meat thermometer!
    6. Remove the lamb from the smoker and wrap the meat in foil, letting it rest for about 30 minutes before carving.

    Notes

    • You can use bone-in lamb as well.
    • Lamb shoulder would work too.
    • Don’t cook the lamb to a temperature over 70°C (160°F) because by then it’s well done and you run the risk of overcooking the meat.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 hours
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Smoked
    • Cuisine: Greek

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1
    • Calories: 396
    • Sugar: 0.2g
    • Sodium: 1506mg
    • Fat: 31.1g
    • Saturated Fat: 11.1g
    • Carbohydrates: 2.4g
    • Fiber: 0.9g
    • Protein: 25.3g
    • Cholesterol: 100mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @greedygourmet on Instagram and hashtag it #greedygourmet

    save the recipe to your pinterest board

    Make this easy smoked leg of lamb recipe Greek style. Use garlic, lemon zest, rosemary and traditional seasoning for the rub. Learn all about smoking lamb.

    More Omnivore

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    • Easy Chicken Curry
    • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheesecake
    • Leftover Turkey Chowder
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim Neville

      March 26, 2019 at 7:02 pm

      I like to have lamb with garlic and rosemary

      Reply
    2. Solange

      March 26, 2019 at 7:51 pm

      A whole leg of lamb on the bone is the iconic Sunday lamb roast. I love mine with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and mint sauce.

      Reply
    3. melanie stirling

      March 26, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      I love leg of lamb,it's my favourite roast. I only ever roast it in the oven and serve with mint sauce.

      Reply
    4. sam macaree

      March 27, 2019 at 8:01 am

      Mediteranean Leg of Lamb Recipe with Potatoes

      Reply
    5. cheryl hadfield

      March 28, 2019 at 9:58 pm

      I love lamb with rosemary and served with a redcurrant sauce

      Reply
    6. Jane Willis

      March 30, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      I like it best plainly roasted, spiked before cooking with garlic and rosemary.

      Reply
    7. Helen R

      April 02, 2019 at 10:05 pm

      I love Texas style dry rub! Have tried subscribing to your newsletter but it says it isn't active.

      Reply
      • michelle

        April 03, 2019 at 5:18 pm

        Hi Helen,
        Thanks for highlighting this. We are fixing this issue for you immediately.
        Best regards,
        Maggie

        Reply
        • Helen R

          April 05, 2019 at 12:31 pm

          Sorry to say that I am still unable to subscribe. Will keep trying!

          Reply
          • maggie

            April 14, 2019 at 10:38 am

            Hi Helen,
            Please let me know if you still are having issues. We are trying our best to fix this for you.

            Reply
    8. Pamela

      April 11, 2019 at 9:56 pm

      Love a good rub!

      Reply
    9. Maxine G

      April 13, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      I'm not a meat-eater but my family love lamb simply served with a mint sauce

      Reply
    10. Ritchie Dee

      April 21, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      My favourite way is left on the llive sheep

      Reply
    11. iain maciver

      April 21, 2019 at 6:07 pm

      slow cooked in the slow cooker and roasted

      Reply
    12. A S,Edinburgh

      April 21, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      I like it roasted with a lot of garlic. I love the look of this recipe!

      Reply
    13. Barry hull

      April 21, 2019 at 7:53 pm

      Lamb with Rosemary and garlic... And mixed herb crust...... Beautiful

      Reply
    14. Claire woods

      April 21, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      I don't eat meat.

      Reply
    15. John Prendergast

      April 21, 2019 at 11:53 pm

      In the slow cooker

      Reply
    16. Tracy Nixon

      April 22, 2019 at 6:52 am

      Seasoned with garlic and thyme and roasted in the oven. I also love mint sauce on mine when served x

      Reply
      • michelle

        April 29, 2019 at 9:09 am

        same here, I love a good mint sauce! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Elaine Savage

      April 22, 2019 at 9:55 am

      I love it roasted with rosemary and adorned with lots of roast potatoes 🙂

      Reply
    18. Cat

      April 22, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Love a boned shoulder, stuffed with an apricot stuffing and tied into a cushion

      Reply
    19. Lucy

      April 23, 2019 at 9:42 am

      I like to have it in a roast and with rosemary 🙂

      Reply
    20. Joanne Beale

      April 23, 2019 at 11:14 am

      In the slow cooker with Rosemary and Garlic

      Reply
    21. Catherine Bullas

      April 23, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Roast with Rosemary

      Reply
    22. Ruth Harwood

      April 24, 2019 at 8:27 am

      Roasted with veg and gravy! slow-roasted if time is on my side!

      Reply
    23. sue leake

      April 24, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      i enjoy it plain roasted with all the trimmings

      Reply
    24. James Travis

      April 24, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Served with mint sauce

      Reply
    25. Emma Howard

      April 25, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      I love lamb done in the slow cooker - so tender the meat literally falls off the bone

      Reply
    26. Victoria Prince

      April 26, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      I love it done in the slow cooker with a little rosemary

      Reply
    27. Sharon Everett

      April 27, 2019 at 11:11 am

      I enjoy leg of lamb but don't have it as much as I'd like. It's not that affordable., ❤️

      Reply
      • michelle

        April 29, 2019 at 9:17 am

        You can actually purchase quite decent leg of lamb online. Otherwise try a cheaper cut, it also works in a delicious smoked recipe. Recently, I've come to explore lamb mince. Yum!
        Michelle xx

        Reply
    28. Amanda Gregory

      April 27, 2019 at 11:45 am

      I rub with olive oil, salt and pepper plus garlic and rosemary.
      Your mailing list sign up doesn't appear to be working. Pretty certain I am on it already but I have just gone to sign up again to be absolutely certain and have got the following message several times: Mailing List Not Active
      This mailing list is not currently active.
      Please notify the website owner.

      Reply
      • michelle

        April 29, 2019 at 9:18 am

        Hi Amanda,
        Sorry to hear. We are fixing this straightaway for you.
        Best,
        Michelle

        Reply
    29. Ruth Tripp

      April 27, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      A good bit of lamb doesn't need much so we just add a little bit of mint.

      Reply
    30. Carole Nott

      April 27, 2019 at 1:10 pm

      I like a traditional roast leg of lamb with mint sauce - lovely

      Reply
    31. Michelle Smith

      April 27, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      I love roast lamb with mint sauce

      Reply
    32. kimberley ryan

      April 27, 2019 at 4:51 pm

      garlic and rosemary is my favourite

      Reply
    33. astrid c

      April 27, 2019 at 6:46 pm

      to be honest i can't eat lamb, so no one prepares it x

      Reply
    34. Emma Morgan

      April 27, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      In the slow cooker with a port & red currant sauce & roasted new potatoes garnished with a sprig of rosemary

      Reply
    35. Wendy Butcher

      April 27, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      I like it with garlic rubbed all over and rosemary pushed into the meat

      Reply
    36. Margaret GALLAGHER

      April 27, 2019 at 8:17 pm

      Love roast lamb - roasted on it's own with the outer crisp - just the way mum made it

      Reply
    37. Erica Hughes

      April 28, 2019 at 9:22 am

      In the slow cooker

      Reply
    38. Sheri Darby

      April 28, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      A spot of olive oil and some Rosemary and left to do itself in the oven

      Reply
    39. betsy ferguson

      April 28, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Long and slow roasted, so it is almost falling from the bone - then, I always boil the bone for bone broth or a stew stock x

      Reply
    40. Pam Smith

      April 28, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      Slow roasted with Rosemary and Garlic

      Reply
    41. Irene Murdoch

      April 28, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      Slow-cooked lamb with cider, carrots and thyme.

      Reply
    42. Kyra

      April 28, 2019 at 5:44 pm

      I love Lamb Souvlaki

      Reply
    43. Caron Twyman

      April 28, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      A traditional roast lamb. Thanks

      Reply
    44. Gaynor Vincent

      April 28, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      Roasted, with all the trimmings, mint sauce so yummy for Sunday lunch

      Reply
    45. Carolyn E

      April 28, 2019 at 7:07 pm

      I like lamb smothered with Moroccan spices, sat on a bed of vegetables and very slowly roasted. Use the veg to make a jus with more spices.
      Mind you, I have to admit I am going to try this recipe next time I have Lamb!

      Reply
    46. Jessica Barber

      April 28, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      I love using my slow cooker to prepare leg of lamb - the meat falls off the bone after a good eight hour stint!

      Reply
    47. Mark Mccaffery

      April 28, 2019 at 7:18 pm

      Roasted with a mint sauce

      Reply
    48. Jemma Dwyer

      April 28, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      In the slow cooker 😀

      Reply
    49. Margaret Mccaffery

      April 28, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      Roasted, with all the trimmings.

      Reply
    50. Sarah Mccaffery

      April 29, 2019 at 12:19 am

      Slow roasted

      Reply
    51. CARA-JANE HUNTER

      April 29, 2019 at 8:02 am

      Roasted with garlic and herbs from the garden

      Reply
    52. Marie Rungapadiachy

      April 29, 2019 at 8:07 am

      rubbed with a garlic marinade and with rosemary poked throughout it.

      Reply
    53. chloe brill

      April 29, 2019 at 8:58 am

      with garlic and herbs

      Reply
    54. Sandra Fortune

      April 29, 2019 at 9:05 am

      Traditional roast lamb and mint sauce with new potatoes

      Reply
    55. Jayne Townson

      April 29, 2019 at 9:09 am

      I'm a vegetarian so I've never cooked with lamb, but if I did I'd try out your recipe. I'm also having trouble subscribing to your newsletter it says it isn’t active.

      Reply
    56. Amanda Baggott

      April 29, 2019 at 9:59 am

      I add some rosemary and garlic to make it super tasty!

      Reply
    57. Caroline Shepherd

      April 29, 2019 at 11:17 am

      Just a really simple slow roast with loads of garlic!

      Reply
      • kerri marie

        April 29, 2019 at 6:14 pm

        never tried cooking it but would probably try it in the slow cooker

        Reply
    58. CAROL PATRICK

      April 29, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      A delicious roast, served with mint sauce & spring vegetables. Always gets a great reception at Easter.

      Reply
    59. Lynn Neal

      April 29, 2019 at 12:24 pm

      Slowly roasted with rosemary and all the trimmings!

      Reply
    60. Charlotte Bell

      April 29, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Slow roasted with heaps of garlic and rosemary.

      Reply
    61. Jeanette Leighton

      April 29, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Just roasted with lamb sauce and definitely roast potatoes

      Reply
    62. Romana Richards

      April 29, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      I love a slow-raosted lamb in a 'special' gravy when we have adult visitors

      Reply
    63. Kate Davies

      April 29, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      Slow roasted until it falls of the bone, with lashings of mint sauce.

      Reply
    64. mandy coker

      April 29, 2019 at 5:32 pm

      marinated over night with mint!! mmmm love minted lamb

      Reply
    65. Anne Plumb

      April 29, 2019 at 5:59 pm

      Slow roast with mint (and served with new potatoes with butter, peas and carrots)

      Reply
    66. Sheila Reeves

      April 29, 2019 at 6:17 pm

      I love lamb roasted with lots of garlic and rosemary

      Reply
    67. Sam Parkes

      April 29, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      Slow roast in the oven glazed with honey

      Reply
    68. sharon martin

      April 29, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      i love doing mine in the slow cooker

      Reply
    69. Elaine Stokes

      April 29, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      stuffed and slow roasted with lots of herbs

      Reply
    70. Kathleen Chilvers

      April 29, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      I love it slow roasted with a touch of mint sauce

      Reply
    71. Amy Bondoc

      April 29, 2019 at 8:08 pm

      on the hob, cover it w ith water and wine, lots of garlic and butter and cook til the liquid all gone, divine!

      Reply
      • Megan

        April 29, 2019 at 10:16 pm

        Leaving it on the lamb to grow into a sheep and enjoy a long, happy life.

        Reply
    72. Tammy Neal

      April 29, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      Lamb with mint sauce x

      Reply
    73. Adrian Bold

      April 29, 2019 at 8:11 pm

      I like mine slow cooked with plenty of seasonal vegetables.

      Reply
    74. Stef Acaster

      April 29, 2019 at 8:20 pm

      In the slowcooker with garlic a, herbs nd red wine

      Reply
    75. Deborah Preston

      April 29, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Roast lamb with all the trimmings

      Reply
    76. Charlotte burford

      April 29, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      We like roasting a leg of lamb to chop up and make into a lamb bhuna with garlic rice. It's so much more tasty than buying the supermarket pre-diced lamb, a favourite in our house!

      Reply
    77. Rena Plumridge

      April 29, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      Long low roast in the oven in red wine and stock

      Reply
    78. Vanessa Cox

      April 29, 2019 at 10:36 pm

      Slow-cooked lamb curry is my favourite way to cook with lamb.

      Reply
    79. Fiona jk42

      April 29, 2019 at 10:45 pm

      I'm vegetarian so I don't cook lamb.

      Reply
    80. Natalie Crossan

      April 29, 2019 at 10:54 pm

      In the oven smothered in herbs and garlic 🙂

      Reply
    81. Kat

      April 29, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      Roasted and slow cooked

      Reply
    82. Amy Stevens

      April 29, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      My favourite way is to not kill the sheep as I love lambs.

      Reply
      • Marc

        June 23, 2021 at 10:26 pm

        Haha PETA person on a recipe site for lamb - these people are dense. Lambs are cute...and delicious!

        Reply
        • Michelle Minnaar

          August 15, 2021 at 11:05 am

          I know, I know. I feel guilty about the moral dilemma caused by eating animals...but... why do they taste so good?!?

          Reply
    83. Pamela

      May 23, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      this looks so moist, will try to make it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    84. annie

      March 05, 2022 at 6:07 pm

      can you add rub ahead of time??s like 6hours before smoking

      Reply
      • Michelle Minnaar

        March 07, 2022 at 8:57 am

        Yes, you can, Annie!

        Reply

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