The Perfect Bbq Temperature For Leg Of Lamb

Grilling lamb requires a bit more care and attention than other meats, but it's not as daunting as it sounds. The key to a juicy, tender leg of lamb is to get the temperature just right. So, what temperature should you cook a leg of lamb on a BBQ?

For a juicy, tender leg of lamb, it's important to cook it to an internal temperature of around 130-135°F for medium-rare to medium doneness. This can be achieved by grilling over indirect heat at around 275°F for 30-45 minutes, and then finishing with a 5-minute sear over direct heat to create a nice char.

Letting the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the grill is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, flavourful bite.

Now you know the ideal temperature for grilling a leg of lamb, you're ready to fire up the BBQ and treat yourself to a delicious and decadent meal.

Marinating the lamb

The first step to achieving a delicious BBQ leg of lamb is to prepare a marinade. In a large non-reactive bowl or dish, combine your wet ingredients: olive oil, red wine, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and plain yoghurt. Then, add your dry ingredients: garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add whole peppercorns for extra flavour.

Next, place the lamb in the marinade, ensuring it is fully covered. Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. The lamb should be left to marinate for at least two hours, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave it for 8–12 hours, or even up to 24–48 hours. During this time, remember to turn the lamb occasionally to ensure it is fully coated in the marinade.

After the lamb has been left to marinate, you can prepare an herb rub. In a small bowl, mix together oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste.

Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Then, use a paper towel to lightly dry the lamb before generously rubbing the herb paste all over, ensuring both sides are covered.

Now your lamb is ready to be placed on the BBQ and cooked to perfection!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for a leg of lamb on a BBQ depend on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare finish, grill the lamb at a temperature of 350-450°F (176-232°C) for 30-45 minutes. If you prefer your lamb medium, grill it at 275°F (135°C) for around 40-55 minutes.

For a rare finish, grill the lamb until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). For medium-rare, cook the lamb to a temperature of 135°F (57°C). If you prefer your lamb medium, grill it to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

If you're aiming for a medium-well finish, cook the lamb to 155°F (68°C). Finally, for well-done lamb, grill it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the lamb leg. For example, a 6-ounce piece of lamb will take around 8 minutes to cook, while a 1.5-pound piece may take up to 20 minutes.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the lamb rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy final product.

When grilling a leg of lamb, it's also essential to consider the type of grill and cooking method used. For charcoal grills, prepare hot coals and brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. For gas grills, adjust the burners to achieve the desired temperature.

Furthermore, some recipes suggest a two-zone cooking method, where one side of the grill is hot for searing, and the other side is cooler for indirect cooking. This helps create a nice char on the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through.

In terms of preparation, it is recommended to bring the lamb to room temperature before grilling. Additionally, marinating the lamb for several hours in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oils can add flavour and tenderness to the meat.

Overall, grilling a leg of lamb requires attention to temperature and timing, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a delicious and tender meal.

Resting the meat

After grilling your lamb, transfer it to a large cutting board or carving board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. If you are serving it to guests, you can let it rest for up to 15 minutes, allowing them to admire the meat before you start carving. This resting time is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavour in your lamb.

While the meat rests, you can finish preparing the rest of the meal. This could include making a gravy or sauce to accompany the lamb, or simply preparing some fresh herbs or garnishes to sprinkle on top.

Once the resting time is complete, you can start slicing the lamb. For a leg of lamb, it is recommended to slice the meat into thin slices, as this makes it easier to eat than a thick slice. You can also choose to serve the lamb medium-rare to medium, with a pink centre.

Remember, the internal temperature of the lamb will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so if you are aiming for a specific level of doneness, be sure to remove the lamb from the grill a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature.

Slicing and serving

When it comes to slicing and serving your leg of lamb, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to let the meat rest before slicing into it. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy. The general rule is to let the lamb rest for about 10-15 minutes, although some sources suggest 20 minutes.

Once the lamb has rested, it's time to start slicing. If you are serving a bone-in leg of lamb, slicing can be a little more difficult due to the presence of the bone. For this reason, you may want to consider a boneless leg, which will be easier to carve and serve. When it comes to the thickness of the slices, some prefer thin slices as they are easier to eat, while others may opt for thicker slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/2 inch thick.

In terms of doneness, lamb is a meat that shines when cooked to medium-rare, with an internal temperature of around 130-135°F. However, this can vary depending on personal preference. For a rare cook, aim for 125°F, while medium is achieved at 145°F. It's important to keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests, so remove it from the grill a few degrees before your desired temperature is reached.

When serving, a leg of lamb makes a beautiful centerpiece for any dinner table. Traditionally, lamb is served with mint jelly, but it can also be enjoyed with a light gravy or brown sauce. For an extra touch of flavour and presentation, garnish the lamb with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Recommended tools

To cook a leg of lamb on a BBQ, there are several tools that will come in handy to ensure a successful cook. Here are some recommended tools to help you achieve the perfect grilled leg of lamb:

IGrill

The iGrill is a handy tool to have when grilling a leg of lamb. It is an app-connected thermometer that sends alerts directly to your phone, notifying you of the internal doneness of your meat. This helps you monitor the cooking process without having to constantly lift the grill lid, ensuring your lamb is cooked just right.

Drip Pans

Drip pans are essential for catching the drippings and juices that come off the lamb while it's cooking. Place them under the lamb to keep your grill clean and make cleanup a breeze.

Tongs

A good pair of tongs is indispensable when grilling. Look for tongs with a non-slip grip and a long handle to keep your hands safe from the heat. They will help you easily maneuver the lamb on the grill, flip it over, or even rearrange charcoal if needed.

Instant-Read Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is crucial for checking the internal temperature of your lamb. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it has reached the desired doneness, whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, or well done.

Cutting Board and Carving Knife

Once your lamb is cooked to perfection and has rested, you'll need a sturdy cutting board and a sharp carving knife to slice it. Choose a cutting board made of a durable material like maple and a carving knife set that includes a slicing knife and a fork to make the task easier.

Serving Platter

After all your hard work, present your delicious leg of lamb on a large serving platter. Choose a platter made of porcelain or another elegant material that complements your dining table and showcases the beauty of the lamb.

With these tools, you'll be well-equipped to tackle grilling a leg of lamb and impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering feast.

Frequently asked questions