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Butterflied leg of lamb is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or braising, it’s important to know how long to cook this flavorful cut to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

When cooking a butterflied leg of lamb, one of the most important factors to consider is the desired level of doneness. Cooking times will vary depending on whether you prefer your lamb rare, medium rare, medium, or well done.

A good rule of thumb for cooking a butterflied leg of lamb is to allow about 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. This will give you a medium rare to medium level of doneness. If you prefer your lamb more well done, you can increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes per pound.

It’s important to keep in mind that these cooking times are just a guideline, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on factors such as the size and thickness of the meat, the temperature of your grill or oven, and your own personal preference. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the lamb reaches the desired level of doneness.

Tip: To achieve a beautiful sear and crust on your butterflied leg of lamb, preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature (around 450°F / 230°C) and sear the meat on all sides before lowering the heat and continuing to cook it to the desired level of doneness.

Preparation for Cooking Butterflied Leg of Lamb

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Before you start cooking your butterflied leg of lamb, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:

1. Trim the Fat

Begin by removing any excessive fat from the leg of lamb. While a small amount of fat is desirable for added flavor and moisture, too much can result in a greasy finished dish. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any excess fat, leaving behind a thin layer for flavor.

2. Score the Meat

Next, take a sharp knife and make shallow cuts, called scoring, on both sides of the lamb. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and improve the overall flavor. Be sure not to cut too deep, as you want the meat to remain intact.

3. Create a Marinade

Combine your choice of herbs, spices, and liquids to create a flavorful marinade for the lamb. Popular options include rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Place the lamb in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring that the meat is well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Bring the Lamb to Room Temperature

Before cooking, remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the meat cook more evenly throughout.

5. Preheat the Grill or Oven

If you plan to grill the butterflied leg of lamb, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer to roast it in the oven, preheat the oven to the desired temperature, usually around 180°C (350°F). Make sure the grill grates or roasting pan are clean and ready for cooking.

Now that you have properly prepared your butterflied leg of lamb, you are ready to begin the cooking process. Follow the recommended cooking times and methods for your chosen recipe for the best results.

Trimming and Seasoning

Before cooking a butterflied leg of lamb, it’s important to trim off any excess fat and silver skin. This will help prevent the meat from becoming greasy and give it a more appealing appearance.

To trim the lamb, use a sharp knife to carefully cut away any visible fat. Be sure to leave a thin layer of fat for flavor and moisture retention. Next, remove the silver skin by sliding the knife between the skin and the meat and gently pulling it away.

Seasoning the Lamb

Once the lamb is trimmed, it’s time to season it. This is an essential step that will add flavor to the meat.

A simple and classic way to season a butterflied leg of lamb is with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Start by drizzling olive oil over the meat, using your hands or a brush to spread it evenly. Next, mince some garlic and sprinkle it over the lamb. Follow by sprinkling dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat, covering all sides.

If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Some popular options include thyme, oregano, cumin, or paprika. You can also add a marinade or a rub to enhance the flavor even more.

Once the lamb is trimmed and seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked. The next step is to decide on the cooking method and time, which will depend on your preferences and the desired level of doneness.

Marinating the Lamb

Marinating the butterflied leg of lamb is crucial to infuse it with flavor and tenderness. Here is a simple marinade recipe that you can use:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Place the butterflied leg of lamb in a resealable plastic bag or a glass dish and pour the marinade over the lamb, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

When marinating the lamb, it’s important to make sure that the meat is fully submerged in the marinade. This helps to tenderize the lamb and infuse it with the flavors of the herbs and spices.

Before cooking, remove the lamb from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows for more even cooking.

Note: The marinade can also be used as a basting sauce during cooking for added flavor. Simply reserve a small portion of the marinade before marinating the lamb, and use it to brush the lamb periodically while it cooks.

Preheating the Oven

Before you begin cooking your butterflied leg of lamb, it is important to preheat your oven. Preheating the oven ensures that the temperature is consistent throughout the cooking process, leading to more even and predictable results.

To preheat your oven, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Check the Recipe

Consult your recipe for the recommended oven temperature. This information can usually be found at the beginning or in the cooking instructions of your recipe. The specific temperature will depend on the desired doneness of your lamb and the cooking method being used.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

Turn your oven’s temperature dial or keypad to the desired temperature. Some ovens have pre-set temperature options, while others require manual input. Make sure the oven is set to the correct temperature before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Allow Time to Preheat

Give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature before placing the lamb inside. This typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven’s efficiency and the desired temperature.

While waiting for the oven to preheat, it’s a good idea to prepare any additional ingredients or sides that will accompany the butterflied leg of lamb.

Remember: It is crucial to preheat your oven to ensure accurate cooking times. Skipping this step can lead to undercooked or overcooked lamb.

Cooking Temperature and Time

When cooking a butterflied leg of lamb, the cooking temperature and time are important factors to consider in order to achieve the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:

These cooking times are just estimates, and can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the meat, the accuracy of your cooking equipment, and your personal preference for doneness. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb reaches the desired internal temperature.

Additionally, it is important to rest the butterflied leg of lamb for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful meat. Simply tent the lamb with aluminum foil and let it rest before slicing and serving.

By following these guidelines for cooking temperature and time, you can achieve a perfectly cooked butterflied leg of lamb with your desired level of doneness.

Resting and Carving

After cooking your butterflied leg of lamb, it’s important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps ensure a moist and tender final result.

Place the cooked lamb on a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.

When carving the lamb, make sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Use a sharp carving knife and cut thin slices, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness.

If desired, you can serve the lamb with the pan juices or a sauce of your choice. Some popular options include mint sauce, red wine reduction, or a simple garlic and herb butter.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked butterflied leg of lamb!

Q&A

What is a butterflied leg of lamb?

A butterflied leg of lamb is a leg of lamb that has been boned, trimmed, and flattened into a single, even thickness. This allows for more even cooking and faster cooking times.

How long does it take to cook a butterflied leg of lamb?

The cooking time for a butterflied leg of lamb depends on the desired level of doneness and the size of the lamb. As a general guideline, a butterflied leg of lamb will take about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams) to cook to medium-rare, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What is the best way to cook a butterflied leg of lamb?

There are several ways to cook a butterflied leg of lamb, including grilling, roasting, and broiling. Grilling is a popular method, as it adds a smoky flavor to the lamb. To grill a butterflied leg of lamb, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the lamb for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Can I marinate a butterflied leg of lamb before cooking?

Yes, marinating a butterflied leg of lamb before cooking can add flavor and help to tenderize the meat. You can marinate the lamb for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on how much time you have. Some popular marinade options for lamb include garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine.

How should I season a butterflied leg of lamb?

There are many ways to season a butterflied leg of lamb, depending on your personal preference. A simple and classic option is to rub the lamb with a mixture of garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also use a pre-made spice rub or marinade to add flavor.