How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

  • 20m prep
  • 1h 40m cook
  • makes 8

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

Spread the word to your near and dear — this roasted classic makes for easy entertaining.

477 calories per serve

Allergens: Recipe may contain yeast, sulphites, gluten, wheat and alcohol.

  • 8 Ingredients
  • 4 Method Steps

8 Ingredients

  • 2kg leg of lamb, fat trimmed

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

  • Basic gravy (makes 2 to 2 1/2 cups)

  • 2 cups Massel beef style stock

  • 3/4 cup red wine

  • 2 1/2 tbsp plain flour

  • Select all ingredients

4 Method Steps

  • Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Lightly grease roasting pan. Place lamb (2kg leg of lamb, fat trimmed) in pan. Combine oil (1/4 cup olive oil), rosemary (1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves) and garlic (2 garlic cloves, crushed) in a bowl. Rub half the oil mixture over lamb. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.

  • Reduce oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Roast lamb, basting with remaining oil mixture every 20 minutes, for 1 hour 15 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking. Add potatoes (1.5kg chat potatoes) to pan for last 40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

  • Remove lamb from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Stand for 10 minutes. Carve. Serve with potatoes.

  • Basic Gravy: Transfer meat (and any vegetables) to a plate to rest. Combine stock (2 cups Massel beef style stock) and wine (3/4 cup red wine) in a jug. Skim fat from roasting pan, leaving 1 1/2 tablespoons pan juices and fat in pan. Place pan over high heat. Add flour (2 1/2 tbsp plain flour). Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture bubbles and becomes golden. Add juices from resting meat. Slowly add stock mixture to pan, stirring constantly. Cook, scraping pan, for 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.

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Recipe Notes

Preparing and carving: Pour half the oil mixture over lamb. Rub mixture over lamb.

Use a straight-edged (flat-bladed) carving knife, not serrated. Always carve across the grain to ensure slices are tender, and make sure you let the meat rest before carving. This will ensure it retains its juices, making carving easier and the meat softer.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrition per Serving

%Daily Value#

Image by Mark O'meara

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Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a roast leg of lamb on a Sunday afternoon.

It’s the perfect dish for a family gathering, and it’s surprisingly easy to cook!

Roasting a leg of lamb is a simple way to produce a flavourful and elegant main course.

In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps necessary to make a perfect roast leg of lamb.

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

The key to success is to start with a good quality cut of meat and to cook it slowly so that the flavour has a chance to develop.

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

Remove the leg of lamb from the fridge and leave it at room temperature for about 1 hour before preparing. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly.

Prepare The Leg Of Lamb Marinade

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

To begin, preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4.

Then, rub the leg of lamb with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Optionally add in some chopped onions and bashed garlic cloves.

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

Roast for about an hour and a half (more details on the leg of lamb cooking times below).

When the meat is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will give the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and delicious final product.

What Is The Cooking Time For A Roast Leg Of Lamb?

The cooking time for a roast leg of lamb will vary depending on the size of the lamb you are using.

As a rough rule, for well-done lamb cook for 30 minutes per 500g plus 30 minutes, and for a medium lamb cook for 25 minutes per 500g plus 25 minutes.

Cook at 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4.

Oven capabilities do vary so check on the lamb during the cooking time to make sure it isn’t cooking too quickly.

Leg of Lamb Cooking Times

WEIGHTMEDIUMWELL DONE
1kg 1hr15 1hr30
1.5kg 1hr40 2hrs
2kg 2hrs05 2hrs30
2.5kg 2hrs25 3hrs

What Size Leg Of Lamb Do I Need?

The below weights are approximate suggestions for the size of lamb you should get depending on how many people you are serving.

  • 2 people – 1kg
  • 4 people – 1.5kg
  • 6 people – 2kg
  • 8 people – 2.5kg

Should A Leg Of Lamb Be Covered When Roasting?

No, a leg of lamb doesn’t need to be covered when roasting, unless the outside is browning too quickly.

The olive oil and garlic mixture that is rubbed into the meat before cooking will help to create a flavourful and succulent final product.

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

What Herbs Go Best With Lamb?

Some of our favourite herbs to use with lamb are rosemary, thyme, and mint.

You can either use fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have available.

What To Serve With Roast Leg of Lamb?

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg
Mint sauce on sliced roasted leg of lamb

There are many delicious sides that go well with a roast leg of lamb. Of course, the most favourite sauce is typically mint sauce, but you could also try garlic or peppercorn sauce.

Some of our favourite vegetables include roasted potatoes, green beans, carrots, and a simple green salad.

How Long Does Cooked Lamb Last In The Fridge?

Cooked lamb will last in the fridge for up to four days.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container so that it doesn’t dry out.

Can I Freeze Cooked Lamb?

Yes, cooked lamb can be frozen.

Again, make sure to store it in an airtight container so that it doesn’t dry out.

Frozen lamb will last for up to three months.

How long to cook leg of lamb per kg

I hope you enjoy this roast leg of lamb recipe, let me know in the comments how you like your lamb!

Ingredients

  • 2kg leg of lamb
  • 3tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
  • 10 cloves garlic
  • 2 onions
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • Mint sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the leg of lamb from the fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before you are ready to cook it.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4.
  3. Prepare the lamb marinade by combining the fresh rosemary, thyme, and 4 of the cloves of garlic (crushed) with the oil.
  4. Place the leg of lamb in a roasting tin and brush with the marinade.
  5. Bash the remaining garlic cloves and place them in the roasting tin with the chopped onions.
  6. Put in the preheated oven and cook for 2 to 3 hours, depending on how well cooked you prefer your lamb. See notes for recommended cooking times.
  7. When the lamb is ready, remove it from the oven and leave it for 10 minutes to rest before carving it.

Notes

Recommended Leg of Lamb Cooking Times

Use the below times as a guideline, check on the lamb during the cooking time to ensure it isn't cooking too quickly.

Cook in a preheated oven at 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4.

Medium

  • 1 kg: 1 hr 15
  • 1.5 kg: 1 hr 40
  • 2 kg: 2 hrs 05
  • 2.5 kg: 2 hrs 25

Well Done

  • 1kg: 1 hr 30
  • 1.5kg: 2hrs
  • 2kg: 2 hrs 30
  • 2.5kg: 3hrs

How long does it take to cook a 1kg leg of lamb?

Lamb should be roasted 20 mins per 450g/lb, plus an extra 20 mins. Weigh meat prior to roasting to determine cooking times. Cook at 220C/200C fan for the first 20 mins and then 190C/170C fan for the remaining time. Rest lamb before carving.

How long do you cook lamb per kilo?

Half leg, whole leg, boneless leg and part-boned shoulder.
Half leg or whole leg. Medium – 25 minutes per 500g, plus 25 minutes. Well done – 30 minutes per 500g, plus 30 minutes..
Boneless leg. 30 minutes per 500g, plus 30 minutes..
Part boned shoulder. 60 minutes per 500g, plus 30 minutes..

How long does 2kg lamb leg take to cook?

So for a 2kg whole leg of lamb it would take 2 hours, 5 minutes for medium or 2 hours, 30 minutes for well done. Once your lamb has finished roasting it's important to rest it, covered in foil, for about 15 minutes.

What temp should I cook leg of lamb?

Cooking Temperatures for Lamb.
Rare: 115-120°F..
Medium-Rare: 125°F..
Medium: 130°F..
Medium-Well: 145°F..
Well Done: 150°F..