Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herb Sauce
There’s something truly magical about slow-roasted lamb shoulder. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with deep, rich flavors, and practically falls apart with just a fork. And when you pair it with a vibrant, zesty herb sauce? Game over. This dish is all about effortless elegance—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests. Plus, the oven does most of the work while you sit back and let the incredible aromas fill your kitchen. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herb Sauce
Versatile: Whether it’s for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a special gathering, this dish fits any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Lamb shoulder is more affordable than other cuts but delivers just as much (if not more) flavor.
Hands-Off Cooking: The oven does most of the work, giving you time to prepare sides or just relax.
Customizable: You can switch up the herb sauce or add different spices to match your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: This lamb is so tender and flavorful, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder
Lamb Shoulder: The star of the show—slow-roasted until fork-tender and packed with flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the lamb with a deep, savory aroma as it roasts.
Olive Oil: Helps create a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping the meat juicy.
Rosemary & Thyme: Classic herbs that bring out the best in lamb, adding warmth and earthiness.
Lemon Zest: A hint of citrus brightness to balance the richness of the meat.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
Ingredients in Herb Sauce
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant kick to the sauce.
Mint Leaves: Brings a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich lamb.
Garlic: Because a little extra garlic is always a good idea.
Olive Oil: Forms the base of the sauce, making it smooth and silky.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle heat that takes it up a notch.
Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch to bring everything together.
Instructions
Prepare the Lamb
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the lamb shoulder dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
Season the Meat
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat every inch.
Roast Low and Slow
Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Roast for about 4 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices to keep the meat extra juicy.
Uncover and Crisp
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Let the lamb roast for another 20-30 minutes until the outside gets beautifully browned and crispy.
Rest Before Slicing
Take the lamb out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial to lock in all the juices.
Make the Herb Sauce
While the lamb is resting, blend parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice or shred the lamb and drizzle generously with the herb sauce. Serve with your favorite sides and get ready for pure deliciousness!
Notes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herb Sauce
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect base to soak up all those delicious lamb juices.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection.
Crusty Bread: Because you won’t want to waste a drop of that flavorful sauce.
Couscous or Rice: A lighter, fluffy option to balance the richness of the lamb.
Greek Salad: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the hearty meat.
Additional Tips
For an extra tender texture, marinate the lamb overnight in olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
If you prefer a deeper, smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rub.
Leftovers? Shred the lamb and use it for sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos!
Want a thicker sauce? Blend in a little extra olive oil for a smoother consistency.
Don’t rush the resting time—this step makes a huge difference in how juicy the lamb stays.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes! Lamb leg is a great alternative, though it may require slightly different cooking times.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs, but fresh ones provide the best flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount by half.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Roast the lamb in advance, then reheat it in a low oven (300°F) covered with foil until warmed through.
4. What can I do with leftovers?
Shred the meat for lamb tacos, sandwiches, or even a hearty pasta dish.
5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then broil for a few minutes to get a crispy exterior.
6. How do I know when the lamb is done?
The meat should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork. Internal temperature should be around 195°F (90°C).
7. Can I freeze cooked lamb?
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
8. Can I make the herb sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
9. What’s the best way to reheat lamb without drying it out?
Reheat in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water at 300°F until warm.
10. Can I make this dish spicier?
Of course! Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of chili powder to the herb sauce for a kick.
Conclusion
Oven-roasted lamb shoulder with herb sauce is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The meat turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, while the herb sauce adds the perfect fresh contrast. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintOven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herb Sauce
This oven-roasted lamb shoulder is tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic flavors. Slow-roasted to perfection with garlic and herbs, it pairs beautifully with a vibrant herb sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
**For the Lamb:**
– 1 (4-5 lb) lamb shoulder, bone-in
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup white wine or broth
– 1 lemon, juiced
**For the Herb Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to form a paste.
3. Rub the mixture all over the lamb shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and pour the white wine or broth around it. Cover with foil.
5. Roast for 3.5 to 4 hours, basting occasionally, until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the lamb to develop a golden, crispy crust.
7. While the lamb is roasting, prepare the herb sauce by combining parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
8. Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the herb sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the garlic-herb mixture.
– If using a boneless lamb shoulder, reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes.
– Serve with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a side of couscous.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
