Butterflied Leg Of Lamb

Prep: 240 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy butterflied leg of lamb marinated in a sweet and tangy mint vinegar glaze, perfect for outdoor grilling and special occasions, appealing to lamb lovers and entertaining hosts.

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Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 lb. leg of lamb, boned and butterflied
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1/2 c. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 c. mint jelly
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine cider vinegar, mint jelly, brown sugar, sugar, butter, and lemon juice.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Add dry mustard and salt to the saucepan.
  4. Pour the marinade over the butterflied lamb that has been marinated for 3 to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Before grilling, drain the marinade and reserve it for basting or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade. If you don’t have mint jelly, you can substitute it with honey or apricot jam for a different but delicious sweetness. Ensure the lamb is at room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Marinating overnight will yield the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the butterflied leg of lamb with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Antipasto Salad for a delightful meal. Consider pairing it with a robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors. This dish also goes well with Mediterranean recipes featuring grains like couscous or bulgur for a hearty spread.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover butterflied leg of lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the lamb and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also serve it cold in salads or sandwiches.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterflied Leg Of Lamb contains roughly 320 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

320 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 4.8g 6% DV
Carbs 68.1g 25% DV
Fiber 6.7g 24% DV
Sugar 29.7g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 789.5mg 34% DV
Potassium 450.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 12.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 54.5mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 66.4mg 5% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the lamb?

For optimal flavor, marinate the butterflied leg of lamb for at least 3 to 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a whole leg of lamb or lamb chops instead. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thinner cuts like chops will cook faster than a larger butterflied leg. Ensure to monitor the internal temperature for perfect doneness.

What is the best way to grill the lamb?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated butterflied leg of lamb on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for the desired doneness; 145°F for medium-rare is recommended.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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