This easy smoked leg of lamb recipe turns out SO tender, juicy, full of flavor. It will literally knock your socks off. It’s the perfect side of meat for any special occasion, or family dinner. A simple marinade and rub plus a few hours on the smoker and you’re ready to devour.
This post is sponsored by the American Lamb Board. All recipes, opinions are our own.
WHERE DO YOU BUY LAMB?
If purchasing lamb is new for you, I highly recommend checking out the ALB website’s where to buy page. They can direct you to the nearest butcher or grocery store that sells lamb of great quality! When looking for lamb, look for lamb grown by the American Lamb board. Their meat can be trusted- their sheet are raised by ranchers and farmers here in the US. “They provide high quality, flavorful lamb in a way that sustains our industry, supports our communities, and preserves our land and resources for future generations.”
CAN YOU SMOKE LAMB?
Yes! Lamb is delicious to smoke. If you are wanting to smoke lamb, the best cut to use is a nice leg of lamb. The flavors of lamb hold up nicely to the smokiness flavor. It only takes a few hours to smoke before its tender and perfect.
HOW TO SMOKE A LEG OF LAMB
Smoking lamb is surprisingly easy compared to many other meats! We have the recipe for it to turn out perfect every time. With an easy marinade, rub and smoking process.
DO I NEED TO MARINATE MY LEG OF LAMB
I highly recommend marinating the lamb over night or the day before. The marinate penetrates the meat so and add a nice delicious flavor to pair with lamb. A really easy, delicious marinade that pairs perfect with lamb is zesty Italian dressing.
- Unwrap your lamb from the butchers paper.
DO I LEAVE THE BUTCHERS STRING WRAPPED AROUND MY LAMB?
YES, you will not remove the butchers string until you are ready to serve the meat.
2. In an air tight container place your lamb and pour your italian dressing over.
3. Let the lamb marinate in the dressing for at least a few hours- up to 24 hours. Flip the meat every few hours to help the marinade flavor all sides of the meat.
LEG OF LAMB RUB FOR SMOKING
Now that your lamb leg is thawed and marinated it’s time to give it a herb salty rub. You will need:
- coarse sea salt
- Baharat seasoning
- onion salt
- garlic salt
WHAT IS BAHARAT SEASONING? AND WHERE DO I BUY IT?
Baharat seasoning comes from middle easter, turkish and greek cuisine. It’s a combination of several spices. You could totally make your own at home! But its nice to pick it up. You can grab it from a middle eastern or indian market or from amazon.
WHY DO YOU USE BAHARAT SEASONING?
It’s no question that the Middle East has 100% perfect the art of cooking and flavoring lamb. They know the spices that pair well with the flavors of lamb. Baharat seasoning is a combination of these herbs and spices all in one to make your lamb perfect.
In a bowl combine your spices. Rub generously over your leg of lamb.
HOW TO SMOKE A LEG OF LAMB
- Preheat your smoker to 225
- Add your lamb with the rub
- Add an additional pan with water (to help keep lamb from drying out)
4. Cook to internal temp in thickest part to 145. 140 if more rare is desired. 150 if more done.
My lamb was 3lb’s and took about 3 hours to reach 145 internal temp.
5. Remove the lamb with a towel instead of tongs- this keeps the meat juices from squeezing out.
LET YOUR MEAT REST
The final step is to let your meat rest for 20 minutes. Wrap in foil to keep it warm.
HOW TO SERVE SMOKED LEG OF LAMB
After the lamb has rested, you will want to cut the string from the lamb.
PROTIP: using kitchen sheers cut down the length of one side of the string, then unwrap the string from the meat.
WHAT CONDIMENTS DO I SERVE WITH LAMB?
There are two famous condiments people love to serve with their lamb.
- Pepper Jelly. We love this, and grab it at trader joes! Check your grocery store in the jelly isle.
- Mint Jelly
WHAT SIDES DO I SERVE WITH SMOKED LEG OF LAMB
There are so many delicious foods that will pair with your lamb try some of these
- roasted potatoes
- rice pilaf
- grilled veggies
- steamed veggies
- french bread
- flat bread- like naan or pita bread
- hummus
WHEN IS THE MOST POPULAR TIME TO SERVE LAMB?
While American Lamb is available year-round, the Easter and Passover season truly is the perfect time to include American Lamb on the table. A traditional leg roast offers plenty of meat for leftovers to use in salads, sandwiches and pastas! OR choose a showstopping rack roast which has 8 chops – perfect for a family of four. If you need help finding local lamb or a recipe to try for your spring holiday celebration or any occasion, contact the ALB at americanlamb.com!
While springtime celebrations may be smaller and feel different this year, there are still endless ways to keep your traditions alive or start new ones. A culinary bridge across cultures, lamb is a common staple of spring cooking and a culturally significant part of Easter and Passover celebrations. Even at a smaller gathering, American Lamb has a place and can offer a bit of adventure at home.
Did You MAKE THIS RECIPE? HAVE QUESTIONS?
Tell us if you make this smoked LEG OF LAMB! I love to hear from those who make my recipes. If you want to keep up with our newest recipes, make sure you follow is on Facebook and Instagram, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Tender, juicy delicious Smoked Leg of Lamb
- 3-4 lb leg of lamb
- 1 bottle zesty italian dressing
- 2 tbsp baharat seasoning
- 1 tbsp onion salt
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
Thaw your leg of lamb, in an air tight container pour bottle of zesty italain dressing over and close. Let marinate in dressing for at least 2-3 hours up to 24 hours.
After lamb has marinated in dressing remove from airtight container. In a small bowl combine seasonings, rub all over leg of lamb.
Preheat smoker to 225, place lamb on smoker. Add an additonal pan with water in smoker to help keep moister in the smoker and the meat from drying out.
Smoke lamb until the internal temp is at your desired temp.
140: raw
145: medium
150: well done
Remove from smoker when internal temp is reached. Let lamb rest for 20 minutes. If you will be resting for more than 20 minutes wrap in foil to keep warm.
WHAT CONDIMENTS DO I SERVE WITH LAMB?
There are two famous condiments people love to serve with their lamb.
- Pepper Jelly. We love this, and grab it at trader joes! Check your grocery store in the jelly isle.
- Mint Jelly
WHAT IS BAHARAT SEASONING? AND WHERE DO I BUY IT?
Baharat seasoning comes from middle easter, turkish and greek cuisine. It's a combination of several spices. You could totally make your own at home! But its nice to pick it up. You can grab it from a middle eastern or indian market or from amazon.
WHY DO YOU USE BAHARAT SEASONING?
It's no question that the Middle East has 100% perfect the art of cooking and flavoring lamb. They know the spices that pair well with the flavors of lamb. Baharat seasoning is a combination of these herbs and spices all in one to make your lamb perfect.
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I cannot believe how perfect this came out. I will never be cooking lamb any other way. Literally like the best tender steak of my life.
I agree! I wont be making lamb any other way now. I loved how simple the recipe was yet how amazing it tasted. My entire family enjoyed this meal.