How to Cook Half a Lamb Leg

A half lamb leg is a brilliant roasting joint if you want the flavour and occasion of roast lamb, but do not need a full leg. It is ideal for a smaller Sunday dinner, a family meal, or anyone who loves lamb but does not want leftovers for days.

Learning how to cook half a lamb leg is straightforward. The main things to get right are the seasoning, oven temperature, cooking time and resting. Do that, and you will end up with tender, flavourful lamb that carves beautifully.

Whether you like your lamb slightly pink or more well done, this guide will help you cook a half lamb leg properly.

What is half a lamb leg?

A half lamb leg is exactly what it sounds like: half of a whole lamb leg joint. It may be cut from either the shank end or the fillet end, depending on how the leg has been prepared.

It is smaller than a whole leg of lamb, so it cooks more quickly and is easier to manage in the oven. You still get that classic roast lamb flavour, but in a more convenient size.

Half lamb leg is perfect for roasting with garlic, rosemary, mint, thyme, gravy and all the usual roast dinner trimmings.

How much half lamb leg do you need per person?

As a rough guide, allow around 250g to 300g per person for bone-in lamb, or a little less if the joint is boneless.

A half lamb leg will usually feed around 3 to 4 people, depending on the size of the joint, appetites and what you are serving with it.

If you want leftovers for sandwiches, salads, wraps or another meal, go slightly larger if you can.

How to prepare half a lamb leg

Take the lamb out of the fridge around 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This takes the chill off the meat and helps it roast more evenly.

Pat the joint dry with kitchen paper, then season generously with salt and pepper. You can keep things simple, or add garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon zest or a little mint.

For a classic roast lamb flavour, make small cuts in the lamb with a sharp knife and tuck in slices of garlic and small sprigs of rosemary.

How to cook half a lamb leg in the oven

This is a simple roast method for half a lamb leg.

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C, 170°C fan, Gas Mark 5.
2. Place the half lamb leg in a roasting tin.
3. Rub with a little olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary if using.
4. Roast uncovered, using the timings below as a guide.
5. Baste once or twice during cooking if you like.
6. Check the lamb is cooked to your liking.
7. Rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Half lamb leg cooking times

Cooking time depends on the size of the joint and how pink you like your lamb. As a guide, roast at 190°C, 170°C fan, Gas Mark 5.

These timings are a guide only. The thickness and shape of the joint can change the cooking time, so use a meat thermometer if you want the most accurate result.

Should half lamb leg be covered when roasting?

For a traditional roast, you can cook half lamb leg uncovered so the outside develops colour and flavour.

If the lamb is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil partway through cooking. You can also cover the lamb while it rests, but do this loosely so it does not steam too much.

If you are slow roasting lamb for a softer, falling-apart finish, that is a different method and usually benefits from being covered for much of the cooking time.

How long should half lamb leg rest?

Rest half lamb leg for around 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Resting helps the meat relax and allows the juices to redistribute through the joint. If you carve it straight away, more of those juices will end up on the board instead of in the lamb.

Cover loosely with foil while it rests, then carve and serve.

How to carve half a lamb leg

Use a sharp carving knife and carve across the grain where possible.

If the joint is bone-in, carve down towards the bone, then follow the shape of the bone to remove slices. Do not worry if the first couple of slices are not perfect. Lamb leg joints are not always the neatest to carve, but they are very forgiving on the plate.

If you prefer easier carving, a boneless lamb leg or rolled lamb joint may be a better option next time.

What to serve with half lamb leg

Half lamb leg is a classic roast dinner joint, so it works well with all the usual sides.

Try it with:

• Roast potatoes
• Yorkshire puddings
• Mint sauce or redcurrant jelly
• Roasted carrots and parsnips
• Spring greens or cabbage
• Cauliflower cheese
• Rich lamb gravy

Leftover roast lamb is also excellent in wraps, sandwiches, salads, shepherd’s pie, curries or served cold with pickles and crusty bread.

Can you slow roast half a lamb leg?

Yes, you can slow roast half a lamb leg, but the method is different from a standard roast.

For slow roasting, cook the lamb at a lower temperature, usually covered, with a little stock, wine or water in the tray. This gives a softer, more tender finish rather than neat pink slices.

If you want a classic roast lamb dinner with slices, use the roasting times above. If you want softer pull-apart lamb, slow roasting is the better route.

FAQs about how to cook half a lamb leg

How long does half a lamb leg take to cook?

As a guide, cook half a lamb leg at 190°C, 170°C fan, Gas Mark 5. For medium lamb, allow around 25 minutes per 500g, plus 25 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of the joint.

What temperature should I cook half a lamb leg at?

A good oven temperature for roasting half a lamb leg is 190°C, 170°C fan, Gas Mark 5. This gives the lamb time to cook through while developing good colour on the outside.

Do you cover half leg of lamb when roasting?

You do not need to cover it for a standard roast, although you can cover loosely with foil if it starts browning too quickly. For slow roasting, covering is usually helpful.

How many people does half a lamb leg feed?

A half lamb leg will usually feed around 3 to 4 people, depending on the size of the joint and what you serve with it.

Should lamb leg be pink?

Lamb leg can be served slightly pink or cooked through, depending on your preference. Use the cooking time guide and rest the joint before carving.

Can you cook half lamb leg from frozen?

It is best to defrost half lamb leg thoroughly in the fridge before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven results and makes timing much harder.