Brined and Basted Rotisserie Lamb Roast

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 09/17/19
Brined and Basted Rotisserie Lamb Roast

The Spruce / Sabrina S. Baksh
  • Total: 110 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 90 mins
  • Servings: 4 to 5 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
1195 Calories
74g Fat
35g Carbs
93g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 5
Amount per serving
Calories 1195
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 74g 95%
Saturated Fat 32g 158%
Cholesterol 347mg 116%
Sodium 11638mg 506%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 93g
Calcium 231mg 18%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Tender and delicious, this lamb roast is brined, grilled over a slow flame, and basted with fantastic spiced yogurt mixture. This recipe is great for any occasion but is a great choice for Easter and the Holidays. Serve this main dish along with a side of roasted or grilled fingerling potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1 leg of lamb (boneless; 3 to 4 pounds)
  • For the Brine:
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1/2 cup salt (coarse)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • For the Baste:
  • 1 cup yogurt (plain)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water (add more if yogurt is very thick)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Steps to Make It

To Brine: 

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Place lamb roast into a large non-metal container with a lid.

  3. Combine water with salt and sugar.

  4. Mix until both have dissolved completely. 

  5. Add lemon sliced and thyme sprigs to brine. 

  6. Pour over roast, cover, and place into the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.

  7. Remove roast from brine and rinse off the surface to eliminate any excess salt.

  8. Pat dry and prepare for grilling.

  9. Discard remaining brine.

  10. Preheat grill for medium to medium-high heat.

Prepare Rotisserie:

  1. Center the lamb roast on the grill and secure tightly.

  2. The roast will shrink during cooking and may need to be retightened again during the cooking process.

  3. Place a drip pan under the roast and grill over a medium to medium-high fire, indirectly.

  4. Combine all ingredients for baste in a medium bowl.

  5. Thin mixture out a bit with 1 tablespoon/15 mL of water. 

  6. Use more if using Greek yogurt, as it tends to be really thick. 

  7. Apply 1/3 of the baste during the first 15 minutes of cook time. 

  8. Repeat the process again after 30 minutes. 

  9. Apply the last coating when the meat reaches 125 F/50 C.

  10. Grill for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until the lamb roast has reached the desired doneness.

  11. Once cooked, carefully remove lamb leg from rotisserie rod and place onto a sturdy cutting board.

  12. Allow meat to rest for 10 minutes, covered before carving. 

  13. Slice into 1/2 inch thick slices and serve with your favorite side dishes. 

  14. Enjoy!

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