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The kitchen fills with an incredible aroma as this succulent lamb shoulder slowly roasts to perfection. Each bite offers fall-off-the-bone tenderness and rich, herbed flavor. This is one of those oven baked lamb shoulder recipes that promises pure comfort and joy.
Juicy & Tender Oven Baked Lamb Shoulder: The Ultimate Herbed Roast Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: IntermediateServings
6-8
servingsPrep time
25
minutesCooking time
4
hoursCalories
650
kcalIngredients
4-5 lbs Bone-in lamb shoulder
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp Fresh thyme, chopped
6 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Lemon, zest and juice
1 tsp Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp Ground cumin
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
2 large Onions, quartered
3 large Carrots, roughly chopped
2 Celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 cup Red wine or chicken broth
Directions
- Pat the lamb shoulder dry with paper towels. Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a fragrant paste.
- Rub this aromatic paste generously all over the lamb shoulder, ensuring it gets into the scored areas. Allow the lamb to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Arrange the quartered onions, carrots, and celery in a large roasting pan. Place the lamb shoulder on top of the vegetables.
- Roast the lamb for 20-30 minutes at the high temperature to brown the exterior and render some fat.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Pour the red wine or chicken broth around the lamb, covering the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil or a lid. Continue to bake for 3-4 hours, or until the lamb is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the lamb to develop a beautiful crust. The internal temperature should reach 190-200°F (88-93°C) for fall-apart tenderness.
- Carefully transfer the lamb to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding or slicing.
- Strain the pan juices and vegetables through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract all the flavorful liquid. Skim any excess fat from the jus and serve alongside the lamb.
Notes
- Chef’s Secret: For an even deeper flavor, let the lamb marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature for an hour before roasting.
- Storage: Leftover lamb shoulder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
- Substitution: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 tablespoon dried rosemary and 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme. Adjust seasoning to taste.
This slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe truly delivers on flavor and tenderness, proving that the best meals often require a little patience. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is just a prelude to the succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat you’re about to enjoy. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, mastering the slow roast lamb shoulder preparation ensures a dish that will impress every time.
Looking to explore more ways to elevate your lamb dishes? You might find inspiration in our garlic herb crusted roast lamb recipe, perfect for experimenting with different aromatic profiles. Or, for a flavorful twist on marinades that could easily adapt to a shoulder, check out our guide on creating the perfect lamb marinade.
Don’t forget to pair your tender lamb with classic sides like roasted potatoes or a vibrant green salad. For more culinary techniques, consider learning about braising techniques on Wikipedia, which shares principles with slow roasting. And for additional inspiration on hearty meat dishes, Allrecipes offers another take on slow-cooked lamb shoulder, providing diverse approaches to this beloved cut. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire!
