Perfectly Roast Lamb on a Hooded BBQ: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking lamb on a hooded BBQ can be a rewarding culinary experience, yielding a deliciously smoky flavor that will impress your guests. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a perfectly roasted lamb every time!

Ingredients

Leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless), about 2-2.5 kg Olive oil Garlic (4-6 cloves), minced Fresh rosemary (a few sprigs), chopped Fresh thyme (a few sprigs), chopped Salt and pepper (Optional) Lemon zest, red wine, or other herbs/spices to taste

Equipment

Hooded BBQ (gas or charcoal) Meat thermometer Roasting pan or tray Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preparation

Remove the lamb from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your hooded BBQ to around 180-200°C (350-400°F).

Marinate the Lamb

In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add any optional ingredients to taste. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it's well coated. You can also make small incisions in the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate.

Setup the BBQ

For a gas BBQ, turn on half of the burners to create indirect heat. For a charcoal BBQ, arrange the coals to one side of the grill. Place a drip tray under the grill grates to catch any drippings and prevent flare-ups.

Cooking the Lamb

Place the lamb on the grill over the indirect heat side. If using a roasting pan, place it on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size of the lamb and your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: Medium-rare: 57-60°C (135-140°F) Medium: 60-65°C (140-150°F) Well done: 70°C and above (160°F and above)

Resting

Once the lamb reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the BBQ and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

Serving

Slice the lamb against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips

Add wood chips like rosemary or hickory to the BBQ for extra flavor if using a charcoal grill. Baste the lamb with its juices or additional marinade during cooking to enhance flavor and moisture. Try pairing the roast lamb with a mint sauce or yogurt sauce for a traditional touch.

Enjoy your delicious roast lamb cooked on a hooded BBQ!