Introduction
The Slow-Roasted Garlic & Honey Lamb Shoulder is a dish that perfectly balances rustic comfort with modern elegance. Tender, fall-apart meat infused with garlic, honey, and warming spices transforms a simple meal into a show-stopping centerpiece. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe turns lamb shoulder into a true culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
4 lb lamb shoulder, bone-in
8 cloves garlic, peeled
¼ cup honey
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Sub-Recipes / Additional Prep
Garlic-Honey Glaze (optional):
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
Simmer honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepan for 2–3 minutes. Brush over the lamb during the final 10 minutes of roasting for a glossy, sticky finish.
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the lamb shoulder dry and score the fat lightly with a sharp knife.
- Blend garlic, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, coriander, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Rub the garlic-honey paste generously over the lamb, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts.
- Place the lamb in a deep roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it. Cover tightly with foil.
- Roast for 4 hours, basting with pan juices every hour.
- Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and roast uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the exterior is caramelized and sticky.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving or shredding.
- Transfer to a platter, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Prep, Cook & Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~540 per serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lamb with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm flatbreads. Drizzle extra pan juices over the meat for maximum flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook a day in advance and reheat gently at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil.
Q: Is lamb leg a good substitute?
A: Lamb leg is leaner and won’t be as tender as shoulder.
Q: How should leftovers be stored?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days; freeze up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes, add chili flakes or harissa paste to the marinade.
Conclusion
This Slow-Roasted Garlic & Honey Lamb Shoulder proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Sweet, savory, garlicky, and tender, it’s a dish that will impress at any meal.
