Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
This Mediterranean-inspired grilled marinated leg of lamb is a standout high-protein dish that brings bold, aromatic flavours to your outdoor dining table. By using a butterflied leg of lamb, the meat absorbs a fragrant marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, zingy lemon, and dried Greek oregano, ensuring every slice is succulent and infused with herbs. The combination of garlic and citrus works to tenderise the lamb, while the high-heat grilling creates a beautifully charred exterior that contrasts with the tender, pink meat inside.
Ideal for Sunday lunch or a sophisticated garden party, this recipe is a reliable choice for those seeking a nutritious, protein-rich main course. Serving the lamb with seasonal roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad allows the quality of the meat to shine. By following the simple resting technique, you ensure the juices distribute evenly, resulting in a perfectly moist finish. It is a simple yet impressive way to elevate a classic cut of British lamb.
In this article:
Video picks
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb
120ml extra-virgin olive oil
60ml fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Greek), crumbled
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (4 1/2- to 5-lb) butterflied boneless leg of lamb, trimmed of fat
3 10- to 12-inch metal skewers
a large (2-gallon) heavy-duty sealable plastic bag
3 or 4 (10- to 12-inch) metal skewers
How to make Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb
Back to contentsCombine oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in sealable plastic bag. Add lamb and seal bag, pressing out air. Turn bag to coat lamb, then put bag in a shallow baking pan and marinate, chilled, turning bag over occasionally, at least 8 hours.
Bring lamb to room temperature, about 1 hour, before grilling.
Prepare grill for cooking over direct heat with medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure.
Remove lamb from marinade (discard marinade) and run 3 or 4 skewers lengthwise through lamb about 2 inches apart. Grill on a lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using gas grill, turning over occasionally and, if necessary, moving around on grill to avoid flare-ups, until thermometer registers 125 to 53°C, 8 to 14 minutes total for medium-rare.
Transfer lamb to a cutting board and remove skewers. Let lamb stand, loosely covered with foil, 20 minutes. (Internal temperature will rise to 57°C while meat stands.) Cut across the grain into slices.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.