This lamb marinade is loaded with all of the best spices and herbs to perfectly complement any of your favorite lamb recipes. Marinating your lamb overnight is recommended for the best flavor, but even just 1 hour will make a tasty difference! No matter how you like to prepare your lamb, this marinade will take the flavor to the next level.
This delicious marinade is great for any of your favorite lamb recipes. Finally, check out my post on what to serve with lamb for some great side dish ideas.
Jump to:
I love using marinades to elevate the flavor of a dish, and this lamb marinade is no exception. It uses simple ingredients that I always have on hand to make your lamb taste extra delicious.
You can get some flavor payoff in just an hour of marinating, but I prefer to let the lamb soak in all of the flavors overnight. Trust me, it is worth the wait!
🥘 Ingredients
These common ingredients are easy to find if you don't already have them at home. Not to mention, you can always add in some cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
- Oil - 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Rosemary - 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Pepper - 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Mint - ½ teaspoon of dried mint.
- Thyme - ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Basil - ¼ teaspoon of dried basil.
- Parsely - ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Salt - A pinch of salt to taste.
- Cayenne (optional) - A pinch of cayenne to taste, if desired.
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🔪 How To Make Lamb Marinade
Nothing is easier than just mixing together some spices. All you'll need is a bowl or a storage bag and then you are ready to go.
This marinade is meant for one-time use, so do not reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw lamb.
- Add ingredients. In a mixing bowl (or Ziploc bag), add your 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, ¼ teaspoon each of thyme, basil, and parsley, ½ teaspoon of mint, 1 teaspoon of pepper, a pinch salt, and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Mix well. Stir until the spices are well incorporated.
- Add the lamb. Then place your lamb into the bowl (or bag) with the marinade, ensuring that all sides are covered.
- Marinate. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before cooking.
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Do not reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw meat. After you marinate your lamb make sure to discard any excess marinade.
- To store: Keep your marinade in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 week before using.
- To freeze: You can freeze your marinating lamb once sealed in a freezer storage bag. The meat will marinate while thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
❓ Recipe FAQs
This is a completely personal preference! It also depends on the cut of the meat, as some are more tender pieces than others.
Lamb should be marinated for an absolute minimum of 1 hour (but preferably longer), and up to 24 hours max. Marinating your lamb for longer than 24 hours is completely safe, but could eventually result in the meat becoming mushy due to the fibers being broken down.
Overnight is always a good range of time to get the best flavor output.
Meat should always be marinated in the fridge. If you marinate your lamb at room temperature, dangerous bacteria can grow.
🥩 Tasty Lamb Recipes
- Pan Seared Lamb Leg Steak- This juicy leg steak is pan-seared to perfection for an easy and delicious entree!
- Roasted Rack of Lamb - No need to sear this lamb, it is simply roasted in the oven!
- Grilled Lamb Steaks - If you're heating up the grill then go ahead and add these grilled lamb steaks to the menu!
- Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb - This lamb dish is incredibly easy to prepare for any occasion!
- Smoked Leg of Lamb - Using the smoker is a great way to make a flavorful and effortless lamb entree!
- Pan Seared Lamb Chops - This dish tastes elegant and fancy, but is super simple to make!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Lamb Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl (or Ziploc bag), add your extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, mint, pepper, salt, and the optional cayenne pepper.
- Stir until the spices are well incorporated.
- Place your lamb into the bowl (or bag) with the marinade, ensuring that all sides are covered.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before cooking.
Notes
- Do not reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw meat. After you marinate your lamb, discard any excess marinade.
- To store: Keep your marinade in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 week before using.
- To freeze: You can freeze your marinating lamb once sealed in a freezer storage bag. The meat will marinate while thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
LindaJanuary says
Great marinade ...but you forgot the garlic.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Thanks! That's a great optional addition!