Butterflied Southern Citrus Barbecue
Juicy butterflied leg of lamb marinated in a vibrant citrus and spice mixture, then grilled to perfection. The tangy grapefruit juice, aromatic spices, and smoky char make it an impressive centerpiece for outdoor gatherings or special occasions, appealing to meat lovers and citrus enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the lamb in a large glass or enamel bowl.
- In a measuring cup, combine grapefruit juice, brown sugar, grated grapefruit or lemon peel, minced garlic, ground cloves, ground allspice, salt, ground pepper, and hot pepper sauce to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Drain the lamb, reserving the marinade.
- Preheat the grill to 4 to 6 inches above the coals or heat source.
- Grill the lamb for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°F for rare or 150-155°F for medium.
- Baste the lamb with the reserved marinade during grilling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb overnight. If grapefruit juice is unavailable, orange juice can be a great substitute. To enhance tenderness, consider using a meat mallet to lightly pound the lamb before marinating. Adjust the heat of the hot pepper sauce according to your spice preference, and experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the butterflied lamb with a fresh citrus salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing complement. It pairs beautifully with No Bake Lemony Cheesecake for dessert, creating a delightful meal. Consider a side of rice or couscous to soak up the marinade flavors, and a tangy yogurt sauce can enhance the dish further.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lamb in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or slice and quickly reheat on the grill to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterflied Southern Citrus Barbecue contains roughly 126 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other cuts like lamb chops or a shoulder roast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may require different grilling durations to reach the desired doneness.
What if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the lamb in the oven. Place it on a broiler pan and cook it under high heat, turning occasionally until it reaches your preferred doneness. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
How do I know when the lamb is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. For rare, aim for 140°F, and for medium, look for 150-155°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone for an accurate reading.
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).