We’re hanging out in the Eastern Mediterranean today where I get my love of lamb from…and where, before there was chicken, lamb had been the meat of choice. I’ve talked quite a bit about lamb already. From Easter roasted leg of lamb and braised lamb shanks, to my “fancy” date-night dinner, Lamb Rack with Herb Pistachio Crust. (Off record, my mother would never defile lamb rack with a green crust. Her loss!) And there is, of course, summer favorites like kofta kabobs and lamb chops!
I use sustainably-raised American lamb, which is generally more meaty and sweeter in flavor than imported lamb. It’s also fresher, having traveled up to 10,000 fewer miles and about 30 days less than imported lamb! This time it’s a big Mediterranean summer feast with grilled lamb leg!
Tips for Grilled Lamb Leg
It seemed a bit outside my comfort zone, but this grilled lamb leg recipe is fairly simple. The secret is in using leg of lamb that’s been de-boned and then butterflied.
You can start with a packaged American-raised boneless leg of lamb, but just ask your butcher to trim and “butterfly” it for you. What he will essentially do is open the lamb up and cut down through sinew and any chunky parts, to give an even thickness. The result is a beautifully flat hunk of lamb, perfect for grilling! To ensure tender, succulent grilled lamb, I did two more things. Using my meat tenderizer or mallet, I quickly pounded down the lamb leg. Then, the lamb leg took on a flavor-packed Mediterranean marinade with garlic, fresh herbs, and a few favorite spices. If you have the time, marinate overnight, otherwise for two hours or so in the fridge.
What to Serve with Grilled Lamb
Two sauces I love to serve with this grilled lamb, mint pesto and Greek Tzatziki sauce. Then, simply grilled vegetables like zucchini, tomato and sweet onions. Before grilling, season the veggies to your liking and toss in good extra virgin olive oil.
Turn it into a Summer Feast!
Wanna go the extra mile and turn this grilled lamb meal into a feast? Here are a few ideas: Mediterranean Three Bean Salad; Tabouli Salad; Traditional Greek Salad or simple 3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad. Greek Potatoes; Easy Roasted Eggplant; Roasted Sweet Potato Fries. Baba Ganoush; Roasted Red Pepper Hummus; or easy Mediterranean Farmer’s Market Hummus. And, of course, some warm pita bread!
Try these delicious recipes:
Greek Boneless Leg of Lamb (Slow Cooker or Braised) 4.9 from 14 reviews
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts 1 cup packed mint leaves 1/4 cup Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, peeled 1 small shallot, chopped 1/2 tsp honey 1/8 tsp salt, more if needed
Shallot Garlic Mushroom Recipe Homemade Pizza with Three Cheeses, Steak and Figs Chunky Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe Batata Harra: Middle Eastern Skillet Potatoes Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Pizza on Flatbread American Lamb is a flavorful, nutrient-rich food and an excellent source of Vitamin B12, niacin, zinc and selenium. See lamb nutrition facts. And here is more on how lamb is raised in the United States. Buy local and support local shepherds! Be sure to participate in the giveaway below.
