Succulent Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herb Sauce Recipe

Crafting an elegant oven-roasted lamb shoulder demands patience and passion for Mediterranean cuisine.

Succulent meat falls effortlessly from tender bones, promising a culinary adventure.

Herbs collected from sunny garden patches infuse each delectable bite with vibrant flavors.

Rich aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Mediterranean techniques transform this humble cut into a masterpiece of rustic cooking.

Subtle rosemary and thyme dance alongside garlic, creating a sauce that sings with complexity.

You cannot resist the invitation of this deeply satisfying dish that celebrates simple, extraordinary ingredients.

Why Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder Is a Winner

• Master Slow-Cooking Magic: Transform a tough cut of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who love incredible flavor without constant monitoring.
• Herb-Infused Flavor Explosion: Packed with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, this recipe delivers a Mediterranean-inspired taste profile that elevates simple lamb to a gourmet dining experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for special gatherings, holiday meals, or weekend family dinners, this dish impresses guests while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare with basic cooking skills and ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single roasting pan that creates a complete meal, combining tender meat and a zesty herb sauce that brings restaurant-quality dining directly to your home table.

Ingredients for Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

• Lamb Shoulder: A tender and flavorful cut of meat perfect for slow roasting.

• Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano: Aromatic herbs that provide a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the lamb.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the meat.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and subtle warmth to the lamb's exterior.

• Olive Oil: Helps to create a rich, moist coating and promotes even cooking.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and robust flavor to the lamb marinade and herb sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• White Wine or Broth: Creates moisture and helps prevent the lamb from drying out during roasting.

• Parsley, Mint: Fresh herbs that bring a vibrant and zesty flavor to the sauce.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity to balance the rich lamb.

How to Roast Lamb Shoulder Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F (165°C), getting ready for a mouthwatering roast adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Rub

• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Lemon juice

Mix these ingredients until they transform into a fragrant, smooth mixture.

Step 3: Massage the Lamb

Lovingly coat the entire lamb shoulder with the herb-infused paste, making sure every inch gets some flavor love.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Nestle the lamb into a roasting pan and pour white wine or broth around the meat.

Wrap the pan snugly with foil to lock in moisture.

Step 5: Slow Roast to Perfection

Let the lamb cook for 3.5 to 4 hours, occasionally basting to keep it juicy. The meat should become so tender it practically falls apart when touched with a fork.

Step 6: Create a Crispy Exterior

Uncover the lamb for the final 30 minutes, allowing it to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust that’ll make mouths water.

Step 7: Whip Up Herb Sauce

• Fresh parsley
• Mint leaves
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until they become a bright, aromatic sauce.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes to redistribute its delicious juices. Slice and generously drizzle with the herb sauce, ready to delight taste buds.

Pro Tips for Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

• Choose a bone-in lamb shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring a juicy and succulent roast.
• Rub the herb paste thoroughly into every crevice of the lamb, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply and enhance the meat's taste.
• Maintain a low oven temperature and long cooking time to break down tough connective tissues, creating melt-in-your-mouth lamb.
• Regularly baste the lamb with pan juices during roasting to keep the meat incredibly moist and prevent drying out.
• Always let the lamb rest after cooking to redistribute juices, guaranteeing a more tender and flavorful final dish.

Variations for Roasted Lamb Shoulder

• Goat Shoulder Alternative: Replace lamb with goat shoulder, maintaining the same herb rub and roasting technique for a slightly gamier flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Roast: Swap lamb with jackfruit, using similar herb marinade and roasting method to create a plant-based version with comparable texture and taste.
• Mediterranean Spice Swap: Modify herb mixture by adding cumin, coriander, and sumac for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor transformation while keeping the core roasting technique.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Eliminate white wine, use bone broth instead, and ensure all herbs and spices are low-carb compliant for a ketogenic-friendly preparation method.

Pairings for Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Rich Tempranillo or Syrah perfectly complements the lamb’s robust, herbal flavors with its bold, spicy undertones.

Fresh Greek salad adds crisp, tangy elements that balance the lamb’s richness and enhance the herb sauce’s bright notes.

Roasted rosemary garlic potatoes create a hearty, earthy accompaniment that soaks up the delicious meat juices and herb sauce.

Chilled white wine like Assyrtiko cuts through the lamb’s fattiness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the intense flavors.

Storing Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder Safely

• Store leftover lamb in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap sliced lamb in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place lamb in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• What herbs work best with lamb shoulder?

Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are traditional Mediterranean herbs that enhance lamb’s rich flavor. These herbs complement the meat’s natural taste and help tenderize it during slow roasting.

• Can I substitute white wine with another liquid?

Yes, you can use chicken or beef broth as an alternative. The liquid helps keep the meat moist and adds additional depth to the overall flavor of the roast.

• How do I know when the lamb is perfectly cooked?

The lamb is done when it becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart. This typically occurs after 3.5 to 4 hours of slow roasting at 325F, allowing the connective tissues to break down completely.

Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder With Herb Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent oven-roasted lamb shoulder dances with Mediterranean herbs, promising a culinary journey through rustic flavors. Tender meat infused with aromatic seasonings invites guests to savor each memorable bite, transporting you to sun-drenched countryside kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Lamb:

• 1 (4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kilograms) lamb shoulder, bone-in
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Seasoning and Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine or broth
• 1 lemon, juiced

Herb Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a herb-infused marinade by blending minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon juice into a fragrant paste.
2. Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly over the entire lamb shoulder, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Position the lamb in a roasting pan and gently pour white wine or broth around the meat to create a moisture-rich environment.
4. Securely cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap heat and prevent moisture loss.
5. Roast the lamb in a preheated 325F (165C) oven for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, periodically basting to enhance tenderness and flavor.
6. During the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the exterior to caramelize and develop a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Craft the herb sauce by whisking together fresh parsley, mint, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
8. Allow the roasted lamb to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Slice the lamb and generously drizzle the vibrant herb sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

• Achieve maximum tenderness by selecting a well-marbled lamb shoulder with good fat content for rich, moist results.
• Marinate the lamb overnight in the herb mixture to intensify flavor penetration and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wine with additional broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes when using a smaller cut of lamb, checking internal temperature reaches 145F for medium-rare doneness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg