Are you tired of the same old BBQ recipes? Looking for a way to elevate your grilling game and impress your guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary recipe. Get ready to experience succulent, flavorful, and tender lamb that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
At first glance, grilling a butterflied leg of lamb may seem daunting. But trust us, it’s easier than you think. By butterflying the leg of lamb, you create a flat surface that cooks evenly and quickly on the grill. And when combined with the aromatic flavors of rosemary, onion, garlic, lemon zest, and apple cider vinegar, you’ll find yourself wondering why you haven’t tried this recipe sooner.
Key Takeaways:
- Create an impressive and flavorful dish with grilled butterflied leg of lamb and rosemary.
- Butterflying the leg of lamb ensures even cooking and faster grilling time.
- The marinade of rosemary, onion, garlic, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil adds depth of flavor.
- Grill the lamb on high heat for a short time to get a crusty exterior and a tender interior.
- Pair your grilled lamb with delicious side dishes like grilled asparagus, braised leeks, and fresh arugula salad.
Why Use a Butterflied Leg of Lamb?
When it comes to grilling lamb, using a butterflied leg of lamb can make all the difference. The process of butterflying involves removing the leg bone so that the meat can be laid out flat. This method of preparation offers several advantages, including more even cooking and reduced cooking time.
Butterflying the leg of lamb allows for more consistent heat distribution, resulting in meat that is juicy and tender from edge to edge. Additionally, the flattened shape of the lamb allows for faster cooking, making it an ideal choice for those occasions when you want a delicious meal without spending hours at the grill.
However, it’s not just the cooking method that makes butterflied leg of lamb so popular. The marinade used for this recipe is what truly enhances the flavor and creates a mouthwatering dish. Made with a combination of onion, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, the marinade infuses the lamb with a delightful mix of aromas and tastes.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
To ensure the best taste, it is recommended to marinate the lamb for 1 to 2 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. The combination of rosemary and lemon zest adds freshness, while the garlic and onion provide a savory depth of flavor. The apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tang, while the olive oil brings everything together and helps create a delicious crust on the grill.
Grilling the butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary elevates the dish to a whole new level. The fragrant aroma of freshly grilled rosemary infuses the lamb, creating a tantalizing scent that will have your guests eagerly awaiting their first bite. The combination of the succulent and flavorful lamb with the charred and crispy edges creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more.
Whether you’re looking for an easy grilled lamb recipe for a casual backyard barbecue or a special dish to impress your guests, a butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary is the perfect choice. Its delicious flavors, tender meat, and quick cooking time make it a go-to option for any occasion. So fire up the grill, marinate the lamb, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Butterflied Leg of Lamb
To ensure that you grill the perfect butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb to achieve the desired level of doneness. For succulent grilled lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F for medium rare or rare lamb and 130°F for medium lamb.
- Prepare the grill properly: Adopt a two-zone grilling method for backyard BBQ lamb. Start by searing the lamb on high heat to develop a flavorful crust, then move it to lower heat for thorough cooking. This technique ensures a flavorful grilled lamb dish with a juicy interior.
- Be prepared for flare-ups: Backyard BBQ lamb can be prone to flare-ups due to the higher fat content of the lamb. Keep an eye on the grill and be ready to adjust the heat or move the lamb to a cooler spot to prevent excessive charring.
- Let the lamb rest: After grilling, allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final dish.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to impress your guests with a succulent grilled lamb that is perfect for a backyard BBQ. Now, let’s move on to the side dishes that will complement your flavorful grilled lamb dish.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a meat thermometer | Monitor the internal temperature of the lamb for optimal doneness |
| Prepare the grill properly | Utilize a two-zone grilling method for searing and cooking |
| Be prepared for flare-ups | Manage flare-ups caused by the lamb’s higher fat content |
| Let the lamb rest | Allow the lamb to rest before slicing for a tender and juicy result |
Following these tips will ensure that your grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary turns out perfectly succulent and flavorful.
Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb
When serving grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary, we want to ensure that we have delicious side dishes that complement the flavors of the lamb. A well-rounded meal consists of side dishes that provide different textures, flavors, and colors to enhance the dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
1. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a fantastic choice for a vegetable side dish. It provides a crisp texture and a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich flavors of the lamb. To prepare grilled asparagus, simply brush the spears with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill them until they have a nice char and are tender-crisp.
2. Braised Leeks
Braised leeks add a savory and tender component to the meal. They have a delicate onion flavor and become meltingly soft when braised. To make braised leeks, trim off the root and dark green parts, cut the leeks in half lengthwise, and then slice them crosswise into half-moons. Sauté the leeks in butter or olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then add a splash of broth or wine. Cover and cook until the leeks are tender.
3. Fresh Arugula Salad
A fresh arugula salad can help balance out the richness of the lamb and provide a refreshing contrast. Arugula has a peppery flavor and a slightly bitter taste that adds complexity to the salad. Toss the arugula with a light vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add some cherry tomatoes or shaved Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
These side dishes, grilled asparagus, braised leeks, and fresh arugula salad, not only complement the flavors of the grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary but also add variety and visual appeal to the meal. They create a well-rounded dining experience that will impress your guests and leave them satisfied.
Recipe for Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Rosemary
To make a delicious and flavorful grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary, follow this easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 boneless leg of lamb (5 to 6 pounds, butterflied)
Start by preparing the marinade. In a food processor, combine the onion, garlic, rosemary leaves, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Process until the ingredients are well blended and form a smooth marinade.
Next, place the butterflied leg of lamb in a large dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the lamb. Ensure that the lamb is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the lamb on the hot grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side to allow for a nice sear and crust to form.
After the initial searing, move the lamb to a lower heat on the grill and continue cooking for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the desired internal temperature is reached. For medium-rare lamb, the internal temperature should reach 120°F, while for medium, it should reach 130°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
Once the lamb reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and juicy final result.
Serve the grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary slices with your choice of accompaniments, such as mint jelly or horseradish, and enjoy a flavorful and succulent grilled lamb dish that will impress your guests.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1/2 onion | 1/2 |
| 4 cloves garlic | 4 |
| 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried) | 2 tablespoons |
| Zest of 1 lemon | 1 lemon |
| 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| 1 boneless leg of lamb (5 to 6 pounds, butterflied) | 1 |
Conclusion
Grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary is a mouthwatering dish that will elevate any BBQ or gathering. The combination of the flavorful marinade and the grilling technique results in a succulent and juicy lamb with a deliciously charred exterior. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this BBQ lamb recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a crowd-pleasing result.
Pair your grilled butterflied leg of lamb with some delectable side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Grilled asparagus, braised leeks, and fresh arugula salad make the perfect accompaniments, adding freshness, texture, and balance to the succulent flavors of the lamb. Together, they create a harmonious dining experience that will leave your guests impressed.
With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can replicate the taste and quality of a restaurant-grade grilled lamb dish right in the comfort of your own backyard. Impress your friends and family with this flavorful and tender grilled butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary. Bring the joy of succulent grilled lamb to your next BBQ and create memories that will last a lifetime.