Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about this collection.
A lamb leg is a cut taken from the rear leg of the lamb. It is a lean, tender cut that works well for roasting, slow cooking, grilling, or butterflying. It may be sold bone-in, boneless, or butterflied, depending on how it will be prepared.
To keep a leg of lamb juicy, avoid overcooking it. Season it well, cook it at a steady temperature, and use a meat thermometer instead of guessing. Cook lamb roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C, then rest for at least 3 minutes before carving. Resting helps the juices settle and keeps the meat tender when sliced.
The shank-end comes from the lower part of the leg, closer to the ankle. It has a tapered shape and usually has a stronger lamb flavour. The sirloin-end comes from the upper part of the leg, closer to the hip. It is usually fattier, more tender, and more evenly shaped, which helps it cook more evenly.
“Butterflied” means the bone has been removed and the lamb leg has been opened out flat. This gives the meat a more even thickness, helping it cook faster and more evenly. A butterflied leg of lamb works well for grilling, roasting, marinating, or stuffing before rolling and tying.
