Description
A tender, juicy smoked leg of lamb recipe infused with garlic, rosemary, lemon, and paprika perfect for holidays or family feasts.
Ingredients
1 whole bone-in leg of lamb (6–8 lbs)
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Wood chips (applewood or hickory)
Aluminum foil
Instructions
Trim excess fat from the leg of lamb, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
Score the fat cap with shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern.
In a bowl, mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest and juice, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the marinade all over the lamb, including the scored fat. Coat with Dijon mustard if desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C) and prepare your wood chips.
Place the lamb on the smoker rack or a roasting pan with a rack inside.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
Smoke for 4–5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
Remove from the smoker, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use a wireless meat thermometer for more accurate results without opening the smoker frequently.
Marinate the lamb the night before to deepen flavor.
If you don’t have a smoker, use a charcoal grill with indirect heat and soaked wood chips in a foil pouch.
Serve with mint yogurt sauce, roasted vegetables, or couscous for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: smoked leg of lamb, leg of lamb smoker recipe, smoked lamb recipe, bone-in smoked lamb