Lemongrass Lamb Recipe – A Fragrant, Southeast Asian‑Inspired Roast

Difficulty:

3/5

Serves:

6-8 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

25 minutes

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Lemongrass Lamb Recipe

This Lemongrass Lamb recipe brings together bold Southeast Asian flavors with a fresh aromatic twist, creating a dish that’s perfect for entertaining, family dinners, or holiday gatherings. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines lemongrass, garlic, chili, herbs, and tender lamb for an unforgettable roast that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

The Inspiration

This recipe draws inspiration from the fragrant, herb‑forward flavors of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, where lemongrass, garlic, and chili play starring roles. Host Leah Wildman embraces these bright aromatics to elevate a classic leg of lamb into something vibrant, modern, and deeply satisfying. The fusion of Mediterranean lamb with Southeast Asian seasonings represents the show’s spirit on A Is For Apple: celebrating global ingredients through fresh, approachable cooking. Fans will love how this dish transforms a traditional roast into an aromatic centerpiece with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

2 lemongrass stocks (bottom 5 inch (12.5cm) portion
2 large shallots
5 cloves of garlic
1 long Thai chili seeds removed
2 tablespoons (30ml) minced fresh oregano
½ cup (125ml) grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil
1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly ground pepper
4 pounds (1.8kg) boneless leg of lamb butterflied
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Methods

Trim the outer tough layers from the lemongrass to reveal a pale softer lower section about 5 inches (12.5cm) from the bottom of the stalk. Using the back of your knife smash the stalk to bruise.
Mince the lemongrass, rough chop the shallots, garlic, Thai chili and oregano. Place in a food mill and process to a fine paste. Add the grapeseed oil, sesame oil, fish sauce, sugar and pepper. Blend to combine.
Cut the lamb into three to four sections, which will allow you to remove the thinner pieces from the oven as they are cooked.
Rub the lamb thoroughly with the paste and place in a tray. Marinade in the refrigerator for 6 hours.
Remove from the refrigerator and wipe off excess marinade from lamb.
Allow the lamb to come to room temperature before cooking.
Preheat oven to 375F (190°C).
Season the lamb with a few good turns of freshly cracked pepper and drizzle of olive oil.
Place remaining oil in a large cast iron pan or heavy bottomed oven proof pan. Heat the pan and oil over medium high heat. Place the lamb sections 2 at a time into the pan and cook until deep caramelized crust is achieved about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat until both sides are rich and deep brown. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Place all lamb back in pan and place in oven to cook for 10 minutes. Or when a thermometer is inserted in the thickest part reads 125F (52°C) to 130F (154°C) for a medium rare doneness.
Remove from the oven and cover with foil. Let meat rest for 15 minutes.
Slice meat thin and sprinkle with a little salt.

Serving Suggestions

Lemongrass Lamb is a show‑stopping centerpiece ideal for family dinners, special celebrations, or weekend feasts. Serve it alongside jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, grilled bok choy, or a crisp herb salad to balance its bold aromatics. The bright flavors pair beautifully with sauces like mint yogurt, lime‑chili dressing, or a simple pan jus. For drinks, consider light, citrus‑forward white wines, sparkling rosé, or refreshing mocktails with ginger and lime. For entertaining, arrange the thinly sliced lamb on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, turning it into an impressive focal point for the table.

Final Thoughts

This Lemongrass Lamb recipe is a celebration of bold aromatics, global influence, and the power of simple ingredients to elevate classic dishes. With its fragrant lemongrass paste, perfectly seared crust, and tender slices of lamb, it delivers a memorable meal that feels both comforting and adventurous. Whether you’re preparing it for guests or enjoying a flavorful dinner at home, this recipe invites creativity—experiment with herbs, spice levels, or sides to make it uniquely yours.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!