If you’ve been hunting for that perfect Sunday roast or a special gathering centerpiece, this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe is definitely one you’ll want to bookmark. I absolutely love how the rosemary and garlic rub turns the lamb into this tender, fragrant masterpiece, and pairing it with the fresh, tangy mint sauce just elevates it to another level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to it for celebrations and cozy dinners alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest mixture creates a fragrant rub that infuses the lamb beautifully without any fuss.
Fresh Mint Sauce That’s Easy to Make: The homemade sauce perfectly balances the richness of the lamb with a bright, fresh kick.
Perfectly Cooked Every Time: I’ll share timing tips so you nail medium-rare or well-done based on your preferences.
Family Favorite: My crew actually goes crazy for this roast, and I bet yours will too once you serve it up.

A large cooked meat piece with a white bone sticking out is in the center, covered in herbs and spices making its surface look textured and brown with green specks. Around it are two layers of roasted potato halves, golden brown with some darker grilled marks and crispy edges. Scattered small parsley leaves add green color on top of some potatoes. To the right, a small white cup contains a green sauce with a slick, slightly chunky texture. The whole dish sits on a white plate with a faint floral pattern over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce, Roast Leg of Lamb recipe, Lamb roast with mint sauce, Sunday roast lamb, Easy lamb roast ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

This roast is all about quality and simplicity. Each ingredient complements the lamb without overpowering it, and picking fresh herbs will make a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of a raw leg of lamb with a smooth, deep red color and visible fat layer, three peeled and crushed garlic cloves, a small bunch of fresh rosemary with bright green leaves, a whole lemon with vibrant yellow skin next to a small pile of lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a handful of fresh mint leaves vivid green and lush, a tiny white bowl containing honey with a rich amber hue, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl with clear hot water, and a small white bowl holding pale white wine vinegar placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce, Roast Leg of Lamb recipe, Lamb roast with mint sauce, Sunday roast lamb, Easy lamb roast ideas

Garlic: Crushed fresh for that punchy, aromatic base in the rub.
Fresh rosemary: Half the leaves chopped—fresh rosemary really brings out the earthiness in lamb.
Lemon zest: Adds just a hint of citrus to brighten the flavors.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for the rub and sauce to get a silky finish.
Leg of lamb: Aim for a good quality 2kg/4.5 lbs piece – bone-in for more juicy flavor if you like.
Salt: Coarse for the rub, fine for seasoning and the mint sauce.
Fresh mint leaves: The star of the sauce – picked fresh for best flavor.
Honey: Just a teaspoon to balance the acidity in the sauce.
Hot water: Helps dissolve salt and honey in the mint sauce.
White wine vinegar: Adds the tangy zip that contrasts the richness of the lamb.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch up this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe depending on the season and what my family’s craving. Feel free to make it your own and play with flavors!

Herb Mix Variation: I once swapped rosemary with thyme and oregano for a Mediterranean twist, and it worked beautifully with the mint sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes into the herb rub if you like a little heat; it adds surprising depth.
Different Accompanying Sauces: While the mint sauce is classic, I sometimes add a garlic yogurt dip for extra creaminess.
Cooking Style: If you’re short on time, try butterflying the leg to roast it faster, but keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.

How to Make Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep your aromatic herb and garlic rub

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a mortar and pestle, combine the chopped rosemary leaves, crushed garlic cloves, a good pinch of coarse salt, and the lemon zest. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bash everything together until it forms a fragrant, oily paste. This step releases all those fantastic essential oils, and mixing it into a paste helps the flavors really cling to the lamb.

Step 2: Rub and roast your leg of lamb

Give your 2kg leg of lamb a generous rub-down with the herb paste you just made. Don’t be shy—massage it in well so the flavors sink in everywhere. Then season it all over with salt before placing it in a roasting pan. Pop it into your preheated oven. For medium-rare, roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes; if you like it well done, leave it in for closer to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remember, ovens can vary, so keep an eye, and using a meat thermometer is always a smart move.

Step 3: Whip up your bright mint sauce

While the lamb is roasting, prepare that zingy mint sauce that makes this recipe a standout. Combine fresh mint leaves, honey, 1 teaspoon salt, hot water, white wine vinegar, and 4 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse it until it’s smooth but still bright green. This sauce is juicy, slightly tangy, and sweet—perfect to cut through the rich meat.

Step 4: Rest and carve

Once your lamb is out of the oven, don’t be tempted to carve immediately. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy when you slice into it. After resting, carve against the grain for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

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Pro Tips for Making Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe

Room Temperature Meat: Let your leg of lamb sit out for 30 minutes before roasting so it cooks evenly and prevents that cold center.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way—insert it into the thickest part; 60°C/140°F is perfect for medium-rare.
Resting is Key: Never skip this! It locks in the juices and makes carving much easier and cleaner.
Don’t Overdo the Mint Sauce: A little goes a long way; you want the sauce to complement, not overpower the lamb.

How to Serve Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe

The image shows several thick slices of cooked meat with a light pink center and a light brown outer edge, arranged overlapping on a white plate. The top slice is covered with a glossy green herb sauce that has a slightly oily texture. Underneath and around the meat are golden-brown roasted pieces with a slightly crispy texture. The entire dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce, Roast Leg of Lamb recipe, Lamb roast with mint sauce, Sunday roast lamb, Easy lamb roast ideas

Garnishes

I adore serving this roast garnished with a few whole mint leaves or a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful, fresh look. If you’re feeling festive, scatter some pomegranate seeds on top—they add a juicy burst and pretty pop of color. A light drizzle of extra mint sauce around the plate not only looks inviting but also guarantees flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe are crispy roast potatoes (because, who doesn’t love them?), buttered green beans, and a fresh carrot and parsnip mash. The combination is hearty yet fresh, and I find the green veggies brighten the meal beautifully alongside the lamb and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love to arrange slices of lamb on a large wooden carving board, surrounded by bowls of mint sauce and fresh herbs. Sometimes I add grilled lemon halves for that extra zing your guests can squeeze over their serving. It creates a rustic yet elegant vibe that always sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover slices tightly in foil and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. I always save the mint sauce separately to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover lamb on occasion by wrapping it tightly in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The mint sauce freezes okay but I prefer making a fresh batch for the best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the lamb slices in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep them tender. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to dry the meat. Warm the mint sauce separately and drizzle over just before serving for a freshly sauced taste.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb rub in advance for this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! You can make the rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest paste a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before rubbing it onto your lamb to make it easier to spread and for the flavors to infuse.
What’s the best way to know when the lamb is cooked perfectly?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. Insert it into the thickest part of the leg—60°C (140°F) for medium-rare and around 70°C (160°F) if you prefer it well done. Also, letting the lamb rest after roasting helps maintain that perfect juiciness.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh in the mint sauce?

Fresh mint really makes a difference in this sauce, providing brightness and vibrancy. Dried mint won’t give the same fresh flavor, so if you don’t have fresh, it’s worth grabbing some—your taste buds will thank you!
Is this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! It’s a classic showstopper that’s impressive but surprisingly easy to pull off, making it perfect for celebrations, holidays, or Sunday meals with family and friends.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest—when I first tried this Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe, I was surprised at just how simple ingredients and a little patience could result in such a memorable meal. It’s become my go-to for special dinners because it feels elevated but is actually quite straightforward, even if you don’t cook lamb often. I’m confident this will become a favorite in your recipe rotation like it did in mine. So grab that leg of lamb, prep your herb rub, and get roasting—your kitchen (and your guests) will thank you.