
Last Easter I whipped up this mustard-coated lamb roast, and guess what? My mother-in-law wanted my recipe! That's like winning gold at cooking Olympics! The mustard-herb outer layer makes this amazing shell that locks in all the juices. Even folks who aren't big on lamb grab extra helpings.
My lamb-hating brother shocked everyone by eating three servings then casually mentioned he'd love it again when he visits next month.
Ingredients You'll Want
- Boneless leg of lamb: Go for Australian or New Zealand cuts - they're milder and win over lamb doubters.
- Dijon mustard: Forms that zingy foundation for your herb coating. Try whole grain if you want some texture.
- Fresh herbs: Pick up rosemary and thyme - they're lamb's best friends and much better fresh.
- Garlic: Go heavy handed - its bold taste works wonderfully with lamb.
- Soy sauce: A tiny bit adds richness without any Asian flavor notes.
- White wine: Softens the meat and helps build that fantastic pan juice.
- Good quality olive oil: Makes the coating stick properly and brings extra richness.

Cooking Steps
Getting StartedAlways wipe the lamb completely dry using paper towels before you add the mustard mix. This helps everything stick better and boosts flavor intensity. Don't skip letting the meat sit at room temp - it's crucial for even cooking throughout.
Mustard MixtureSpread the mustard mix all over your lamb generously, working into every small space. I've learned fingers work best for this job, really rubbing it in. Don't worry about getting messy!
Oven TechniqueStart hot to get that outer crust, then drop the temp for perfect cooking. I never trust cooking times - a meat thermometer is a must since lamb costs too much to ruin by overcooking.
Waiting PeriodThe toughest part? Not cutting in right away! You'll want to, but those 15-20 minutes of rest make the difference between juicy success and dry failure. I loosely tent with foil and finish my side dishes during this time.
I stumbled on the mustard-lamb combo totally by chance when I ran out of mint jelly that usually went alongside. I quickly mixed Dijon with herbs as a backup spread, and it tasted so much better that I started cooking with it directly!
What To Serve With It
This roast goes great with fluffy mashed potatoes or crunchy roasted ones that can soak up the sauce. For veggies, anything green fits perfectly - try roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for nice color. Add a bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah) and your meal's complete.
Tasty Variations
Mix in a spoonful of honey for a slightly sweet crust. Play with different herbs - mint and oregano give it Mediterranean flair. Want some kick? Stir horseradish into your mustard mix. A bit of lemon zest works wonders to lighten up the flavors too.
Leftovers Plan
Extra lamb makes the best sandwiches next day. Cut it thin, pile on good bread with some arugula and a bit of leftover mustard mix. When warming up, go low and slow around 300°F with foil covering and a splash of broth to keep things juicy.

Insider Tricks
- Get your butcher to butterfly the lamb leg so it cooks more evenly
- For stronger flavor, mix up your mustard coating a day ahead
- Buy a decent instant-read thermometer as it's the only way to nail perfect doneness
Big cuts of meat used to scare me, especially fancy-sounding lamb. But this dish taught me that sometimes the easiest preparations turn out most impressive. The mustard and herbs do the flavor work, and your oven handles the rest. Now it's my go-to when I want people thinking I slaved away all day, when really I was chilling with wine while it cooked!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I tell if my lamb is medium-rare?
- A meat thermometer should read 135°F. Pull it out of the oven and rest for 20-30 minutes.
- → Is it fine to prep this in advance?
- You can make the mustard mix a day ahead, but it'll taste best if you coat and roast the same day.
- → What should I serve with lamb?
- Mashed potatoes, fresh salads, roasted veggies, or golden potatoes are amazing sides for this dish.
- → Can I replace fresh herbs with dried ones?
- Fresh gives the best scent, but you can swap 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme if needed.
- → Why do I need to rest the meat after cooking?
- Resting helps the meat trap its juices, giving you heavenly and flavorful slices every time.