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

Smoked Leg of Lamb

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

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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. 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!
A close up of a smoked leg of lamb

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?

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Leg of Lamb

Smoked Leg of Lamb


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Michelle Minnaar
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
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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.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 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.
  • 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

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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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim Neville says

    26th March 2019 at 7:02 pm

    I like to have lamb with garlic and rosemary

    Reply
  2. Solange says

    26th March 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 says

    26th March 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 says

    27th March 2019 at 8:01 am

    Mediteranean Leg of Lamb Recipe with Potatoes

    Reply
  5. cheryl hadfield says

    28th March 2019 at 9:58 pm

    I love lamb with rosemary and served with a redcurrant sauce

    Reply
  6. Jane Willis says

    30th March 2019 at 1:41 pm

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

    Reply
  7. Helen R says

    2nd April 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 says

      3rd April 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 says

        5th April 2019 at 12:31 pm

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

        Reply
        • maggie says

          14th April 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 says

    11th April 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Love a good rub!

    Reply
  9. Maxine G says

    13th April 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 says

    21st April 2019 at 5:43 pm

    My favourite way is left on the llive sheep

    Reply
  11. iain maciver says

    21st April 2019 at 6:07 pm

    slow cooked in the slow cooker and roasted

    Reply
  12. A S,Edinburgh says

    21st April 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 says

    21st April 2019 at 7:53 pm

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

    Reply
  14. Claire woods says

    21st April 2019 at 8:29 pm

    I don’t eat meat.

    Reply
  15. John Prendergast says

    21st April 2019 at 11:53 pm

    In the slow cooker

    Reply
  16. Tracy Nixon says

    22nd April 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 says

      29th April 2019 at 9:09 am

      same here, I love a good mint sauce! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Elaine Savage says

    22nd April 2019 at 9:55 am

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

    Reply
  18. Cat says

    22nd April 2019 at 12:05 pm

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

    Reply
  19. Lucy says

    23rd April 2019 at 9:42 am

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

    Reply
  20. Joanne Beale says

    23rd April 2019 at 11:14 am

    In the slow cooker with Rosemary and Garlic

    Reply
  21. Catherine Bullas says

    23rd April 2019 at 8:52 pm

    Roast with Rosemary

    Reply
  22. Ruth Harwood says

    24th April 2019 at 8:27 am

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

    Reply
  23. sue leake says

    24th April 2019 at 12:15 pm

    i enjoy it plain roasted with all the trimmings

    Reply
  24. James Travis says

    24th April 2019 at 3:02 pm

    Served with mint sauce

    Reply
  25. Emma Howard says

    25th April 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 says

    26th April 2019 at 4:54 pm

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

    Reply
  27. Sharon Everett says

    27th April 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 says

      29th April 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 says

    27th April 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 says

      29th April 2019 at 9:18 am

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

      Reply
  29. Ruth Tripp says

    27th April 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 says

    27th April 2019 at 1:10 pm

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

    Reply
  31. Michelle Smith says

    27th April 2019 at 1:12 pm

    I love roast lamb with mint sauce

    Reply
  32. kimberley ryan says

    27th April 2019 at 4:51 pm

    garlic and rosemary is my favourite

    Reply
  33. astrid c says

    27th April 2019 at 6:46 pm

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

    Reply
  34. Emma Morgan says

    27th April 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 says

    27th April 2019 at 7:47 pm

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

    Reply
  36. Margaret GALLAGHER says

    27th April 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 says

    28th April 2019 at 9:22 am

    In the slow cooker

    Reply
  38. Sheri Darby says

    28th April 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 says

    28th April 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 says

    28th April 2019 at 3:41 pm

    Slow roasted with Rosemary and Garlic

    Reply
  41. Irene Murdoch says

    28th April 2019 at 4:49 pm

    Slow-cooked lamb with cider, carrots and thyme.

    Reply
  42. Kyra says

    28th April 2019 at 5:44 pm

    I love Lamb Souvlaki

    Reply
  43. Caron Twyman says

    28th April 2019 at 6:29 pm

    A traditional roast lamb. Thanks

    Reply
  44. Gaynor Vincent says

    28th April 2019 at 7:06 pm

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

    Reply
  45. Carolyn E says

    28th April 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 says

    28th April 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 says

    28th April 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Roasted with a mint sauce

    Reply
  48. Jemma Dwyer says

    28th April 2019 at 7:43 pm

    In the slow cooker 😀

    Reply
  49. Margaret Mccaffery says

    28th April 2019 at 9:20 pm

    Roasted, with all the trimmings.

    Reply
  50. Sarah Mccaffery says

    29th April 2019 at 12:19 am

    Slow roasted

    Reply
  51. CARA-JANE HUNTER says

    29th April 2019 at 8:02 am

    Roasted with garlic and herbs from the garden

    Reply
  52. Marie Rungapadiachy says

    29th April 2019 at 8:07 am

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

    Reply
  53. chloe brill says

    29th April 2019 at 8:58 am

    with garlic and herbs

    Reply
  54. Sandra Fortune says

    29th April 2019 at 9:05 am

    Traditional roast lamb and mint sauce with new potatoes

    Reply
  55. Jayne Townson says

    29th April 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 says

    29th April 2019 at 9:59 am

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

    Reply
  57. Caroline Shepherd says

    29th April 2019 at 11:17 am

    Just a really simple slow roast with loads of garlic!

    Reply
    • kerri marie says

      29th April 2019 at 6:14 pm

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

      Reply
  58. CAROL PATRICK says

    29th April 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 says

    29th April 2019 at 12:24 pm

    Slowly roasted with rosemary and all the trimmings!

    Reply
  60. Charlotte Bell says

    29th April 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Slow roasted with heaps of garlic and rosemary.

    Reply
  61. Jeanette Leighton says

    29th April 2019 at 2:36 pm

    Just roasted with lamb sauce and definitely roast potatoes

    Reply
  62. Romana Richards says

    29th April 2019 at 2:38 pm

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

    Reply
  63. Kate Davies says

    29th April 2019 at 2:51 pm

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

    Reply
  64. mandy coker says

    29th April 2019 at 5:32 pm

    marinated over night with mint!! mmmm love minted lamb

    Reply
  65. Anne Plumb says

    29th April 2019 at 5:59 pm

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

    Reply
  66. Sheila Reeves says

    29th April 2019 at 6:17 pm

    I love lamb roasted with lots of garlic and rosemary

    Reply
  67. Sam Parkes says

    29th April 2019 at 6:50 pm

    Slow roast in the oven glazed with honey

    Reply
  68. sharon martin says

    29th April 2019 at 7:52 pm

    i love doing mine in the slow cooker

    Reply
  69. Elaine Stokes says

    29th April 2019 at 8:01 pm

    stuffed and slow roasted with lots of herbs

    Reply
  70. Kathleen Chilvers says

    29th April 2019 at 8:01 pm

    I love it slow roasted with a touch of mint sauce

    Reply
  71. Amy Bondoc says

    29th April 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 says

      29th April 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 says

    29th April 2019 at 8:09 pm

    Lamb with mint sauce x

    Reply
  73. Adrian Bold says

    29th April 2019 at 8:11 pm

    I like mine slow cooked with plenty of seasonal vegetables.

    Reply
  74. Stef Acaster says

    29th April 2019 at 8:20 pm

    In the slowcooker with garlic a, herbs nd red wine

    Reply
  75. Deborah Preston says

    29th April 2019 at 8:49 pm

    Roast lamb with all the trimmings

    Reply
  76. Charlotte burford says

    29th April 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 says

    29th April 2019 at 9:13 pm

    Long low roast in the oven in red wine and stock

    Reply
  78. Vanessa Cox says

    29th April 2019 at 10:36 pm

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

    Reply
  79. Fiona jk42 says

    29th April 2019 at 10:45 pm

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

    Reply
  80. Natalie Crossan says

    29th April 2019 at 10:54 pm

    In the oven smothered in herbs and garlic 🙂

    Reply
  81. Kat says

    29th April 2019 at 11:23 pm

    Roasted and slow cooked

    Reply
  82. Amy Stevens says

    29th April 2019 at 11:27 pm

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

    Reply
  83. Pamela says

    23rd May 2019 at 6:06 pm

    this looks so moist, will try to make it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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