Skip to main content

Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Salt

4.7

(26)

Image may contain Steak Food Meal and Dish
Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary SaltVictoria Pearson
Cooks' note:

If you aren't able to grill outdoors, you can cook lamb in a well-seasoned double-burner grill pan. Omit skewering and cut lamb into 3 or 4 pieces to fit in pan, then grill over moderately high heat, turning over once, 20 to 25 minutes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 generous servings

Ingredients

For lamb

1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
7 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 (5 1/2-lb) piece boneless butterflied leg of lamb
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

For rosemary salt

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon Maldon sea salt or other flaky sea salt

Special Equipment

8 to 10 (12-inch) wooden or metal skewers; an instant-read thermometer

Preparation

  1. Marinate lamb:

    Step 1

    Stir together yogurt, garlic, rosemary, and pepper in a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish or 2-gallon sealable plastic bag. Add lamb, turning to coat completely, and marinate, covered and chilled, turning over once or twice, 5 hours.

    Step 2

    Bring lamb to room temperature, about 1 hour.

    Step 3

    Remove lamb from marinade, discarding marinade, and put on a work surface. Run skewers horizontally through meat, about 1 1/2 inches apart, first lengthwise (4 or 5 skewers), then crosswise (4 or 5 more) to form a grid. (Skewering makes meat easier to move and turn over.) Sprinkle with kosher salt.

    Step 4

    Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce to moderate.

    Step 5

    Grill lamb, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning occasionally, until thermometer inserted diagonally into thickest part of meat registers 125°F for medium-rare (thinner parts will register higher), 25 to 30 minutes if using charcoal or 20 to 25 minutes if using gas. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes before thinly slicing.

  2. Make rosemary salt:

    Step 6

    Stir together rosemary and sea salt and serve with lamb.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.