Slow-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
Description: This recipe and technique delivers mild, flavorful lamb with a tender texture and a perfectly rosy medium-rare hue all the way from edge to center, surrounded in a crisp layer of browned, crackly fat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium shallot, minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 anchovy filets, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon zest from 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 whole butterflied boneneless leg of lamb, carefully trimmed of internal fat and connective tissue, 10 to 12 pounds
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lower-third position and preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small saucepan set over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, shallot, anchovies, rosemary, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots and garlic are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Rub half of the mixture inside butterflied lamb leg. Roll leg and, using butcher’s twine, tie securely at 1-inch intervals. Rub remaining mixture over exterior of lamb. Cook immediately or let rest uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours for best flavor and texture.
- When ready to cook, place lamb, fat side up, on a wire rack set in a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest section of lamb registers 125°F to 130°F (52° to 54°C) for medium-rare, or 130°F to 135°F for medium (54° to 57°C), 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove from oven and let rest, uncovered, for 40 minutes.
- While lamb is resting, increase oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). Return lamb to oven and roast until exterior is deep brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Remove twine with kitchen shears, transfer lamb to cutting board, slice into 1/4 inch slices, and serve.