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Published 14/09/2026
1:0
Serves 4
Easy

Lemon and rosemary butterflied lamb

Tender, fragrant and full of flavour - a proper centrepiece with a fresh, punchy finish.

Our butterflied lamb dish is deliciously easy and is sure to impress friends and family, making it perfect for Sunday lunches. Serve with plenty of roasted vegetables, potatoes, plenty of gravy and a dollop of mint sauce.

What you'll need...

For the lamb

  • 1 butterflied lamb leg (about 1.8kg)
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 5 large garlic cloves, finely sliced
  • 2 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil

For the mint sauce

  • 1 tbsp boiling water
  • 1 tbsp soft brown or demerara sugar
  • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped mint

Method

  1. Lay the butterflied lamb skin-side up on a board and trim away any thick patches of fat for an even finish. Score the fat in a 2cm diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Turn the lamb over and make deep cuts in the meat at 1cm intervals. Rub with the lemon zest, then push slivers of garlic and rosemary into the cuts. Season generously and, if you have time, cover and chill overnight.

  2. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / gas 6. If needed, cut the lamb in half to fit your pan. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the lamb skin-side down and cook until the fat has rendered and the skin is golden and crisp. Turn briefly to colour the other side, then transfer to a roasting tray, skin-side up. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C.

  3. Rest the lamb in a warm place for 10 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.

  4. It's time to make the mint sauce. Stir the boiling water and sugar together until dissolved. Add the vinegar and chopped mint, then season to taste. Adjust sweetness or sharpness if needed and serve alongside the lamb.

Shop the tools you will need

Secondary image for image of Oak Butchers Block Large 46 cm x 36 cm x 4 cm Main image for image of Oak Butchers Block Large 46 cm x 36 cm x 4 cm

£149.00

Secondary image for image of Elite Tri-Ply Saute Pan & Lid Uncoated 28cm / 4.2L Main image for image of Elite Tri-Ply Saute Pan & Lid Uncoated 28cm / 4.2L

£85.00

Secondary image for image of Professional X50 Contour Chefs Knife 15cm / 6in Main image for image of Professional X50 Contour Chefs Knife 15cm / 6in

£32.00

Secondary image for image of Stainless Steel Roasting Tin Set 3 Piece Main image for image of Stainless Steel Roasting Tin Set 3 Piece

£90.00

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