The lamb shoulder comes out of the oven with a rich golden brown crust, crisp from the roasting process while the inside remains incredibly tender and juicy. The garlic and rosemary infuse every bite with aromatic flavor, making each forkful melt in your mouth.
Pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a festive occasion, this lamb shoulder is sure to be the star of the show.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lamb shoulder (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
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Pat the lamb shoulder dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
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In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the lamb shoulder.
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Add the quartered onion around the lamb in the roasting pan.
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Pour the vegetable broth and white wine (if using) into the pan, ensuring the lamb is slightly elevated above the liquid.
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Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Roast for 3–4 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart.
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Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the lamb to brown and caramelize.
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Once the lamb is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with your favorite sides.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Roasted Rosemary Garlic Lamb Shoulder
Lamb shoulder, with its juicy, rich flavor and tender texture, is often overshadowed by the more commonly used lamb leg. However, lamb shoulder is the unsung hero of roasts, offering a deeper, more robust taste and a juicier bite, making it a prime candidate for slow roasting. In this recipe, the lamb is infused with the aromatic essence of rosemary and garlic, creating a melt-in-your-mouth roast perfect for any Sunday dinner or special occasion.
This slow-roasting technique ensures that the lamb is cooked low and slow, breaking down the collagen in the meat, resulting in an ultra-tender texture that practically falls apart. By stuffing fresh rosemary and slivers of garlic into the incisions made in the lamb shoulder, the flavors deeply penetrate the meat, giving it a fragrant, savory quality that will have your guests asking for more.
Why Choose Lamb Shoulder Over Lamb Leg?
Lamb shoulder is often overlooked in favor of the more popular lamb leg, which is leaner and easier to cook quickly. However, lamb shoulder boasts a rich, succulent flavor thanks to its higher fat content. When cooked slowly, the fat melts into the meat, adding moisture and depth of flavor that can’t be matched by leaner cuts.
Additionally, lamb shoulder is far more forgiving when it comes to cooking time. Unlike lamb leg, which requires precision to avoid overcooking, lamb shoulder can withstand longer cooking periods without becoming dry or tough. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a simple, fuss-free roast that guarantees delicious results every time.
The Infusion of Rosemary and Garlic
A key technique in this recipe is the infusion of garlic and rosemary into the lamb. The lamb is pierced with sharp incisions, and fresh rosemary sprigs and garlic slivers are inserted directly into the meat. This technique allows the aromatic flavors to deeply penetrate the lamb, transforming the roast into a flavorful masterpiece.
Rosemary is a classic pairing with lamb, and its robust, pine-like aroma complements the rich flavor of the meat. Garlic adds a savory, almost sweet note, and as the lamb slow-roasts, the two ingredients meld together to create a delightful perfume that wafts through the house, signaling that dinner is almost ready.
The Slow Roasting Process
The beauty of slow roasting is in the transformation of the lamb’s texture. By cooking it at a low temperature for several hours, the tough connective tissues break down, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The slow cooking also allows the flavors of the garlic and rosemary to infuse the lamb, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.
During the roasting process, the lamb is covered with foil, helping to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out. After a few hours, the foil is removed, allowing the lamb to brown and develop a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds an irresistible texture to the roast.
Making the Perfect Gravy
A succulent roast lamb deserves a flavorful gravy to complement its richness. After the lamb has been roasted and allowed to rest, the pan drippings are used to create a rich, savory gravy. The pan drippings, combined with flour and beef broth, are simmered to create a thick, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender lamb.
This gravy is not only made from the flavorful juices released by the lamb, but also from the caramelized onions and garlic that were roasted alongside the meat. The result is a savory, deep-flavored gravy that elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes to Pair with Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder
The slow roasted rosemary garlic lamb shoulder is a rich, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, complement the rich flavor of the lamb and add a touch of sweetness. Mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture, provide the perfect base for the lamb and its accompanying gravy. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy dressing balances out the richness of the lamb, providing a refreshing contrast.
If you want to go all out, you can serve the lamb with crispy, golden roast potatoes. The contrast between the tender lamb and the crunchy potatoes is a match made in heaven. Alternatively, try making duck fat potatoes for an extra indulgent side dish that takes the meal to the next level.
Why This Recipe is Foolproof
One of the best things about this slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe is its simplicity. Despite requiring several hours in the oven, it’s virtually foolproof. There’s minimal effort involved, and the slow cooking method ensures that even beginners can achieve a beautifully cooked roast. The lamb shoulder does most of the work itself, with the garlic, rosemary, and pan drippings adding layers of flavor without requiring constant attention.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy lamb that will impress your guests and make you the star of your next dinner party.
Conclusion
Slow roasted rosemary garlic lamb shoulder is the ultimate comfort food. With its tender, juicy meat and aromatic rosemary-garlic infusion, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. The slow roasting method ensures that the lamb is cooked to perfection, while the simple yet flavorful ingredients make this dish a standout. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a delicious, show-stopping roast that will leave everyone asking for more.
By taking the time to slow-roast the lamb and infuse it with the fragrant flavors of garlic and rosemary, you’ll create a meal that is both flavorful and memorable. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a truly satisfying meal that everyone will love.
This slow-roasted lamb shoulder is the perfect way to elevate your cooking and impress your family and friends.