Description
This Tender Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder is infused with a flavorful rosemary and garlic paste, slow-cooked to perfection until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Finished with a sticky honey and lemon glaze, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, ideal for a special family meal or festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb and Seasoning
- 1 lamb shoulder (approximately 4-5 pounds)
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Liquids and Glaze
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare it for slow roasting the lamb shoulder.
- Prepare the Lamb: Rinse the lamb shoulder under cold water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better.
- Make Herb Paste: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful paste.
- Season the Lamb: Use a sharp knife to make small incisions all over the lamb shoulder. Rub the garlic and rosemary paste generously over the entire lamb, ensuring even coverage.
- Place in Roasting Pan: Put the seasoned lamb shoulder into a roasting pan, then pour the chicken or beef broth around it, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
- Cover and Roast: Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Slow roast for 3.5 to 4 hours until the lamb is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Baste occasionally with pan juices to maintain moisture.
- Prepare Honey Glaze: While the lamb roasts, gently heat honey and lemon juice in a small saucepan until the honey is fully diluted and combined.
- Glaze and Increase Oven Heat: After roasting, remove the lamb from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
- Apply Glaze: Brush the honey and lemon mixture generously over the lamb shoulder to create a sticky glaze.
- Caramelize the Glaze: Return the lamb to the oven, uncovered, and roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes, helping the juices redistribute.
- Serve: Carve the lamb shoulder and serve it drizzled with the pan juices for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Making small incisions allows the herb paste to penetrate deeper into the meat for enhanced flavor.
- Basting the lamb occasionally helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process.
- Resting the lamb after roasting ensures tender, juicy slices when carved.
- If you prefer stronger herbal notes, add additional rosemary or garlic to the paste.
- The honey glaze can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less lemon juice for balance.
