When cooking lamb, the proper lamb cooking time and the correct cooking temperature are extremely important. The optimum flavor and tenderness of various cuts of lamb can be consistently achieved when care is taken to follow the guidelines for the recommended lamb cooking times and cooking temperatures.
Using the recommended time and temperature guidelines will ensure that the meat is cooked to the minimum safe internal temperature, which is critical in preventing food-borne illness that can be caused by undercooked food. Using an accurate meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the proper doneness of lamb. Whether you are looking for a boneless leg of lamb cooking time or a rack of lamb cooking time, use the following chart as a cooking time and temperature guide for lamb cuts that are cooked in the oven or grilled prior to cooking. See the article, "Doneness of Lamb" for additional information on determining the proper doneness of lamb
LAMB Cooking Times and Temperatures |
Lamb Oven Roasted at 180°C |
|
Lamb Cut |
Weight |
Medium-rare (58°C) |
Medium (64°C) |
Well Done (73°C) |
|
Whole leg (bone-in) |
2 - 3 kg |
|
65 minutes |
90 minutes |
|
Leg roast (boneless) |
1.8 – 2.6 kg |
|
70 minutes |
30 minutes |
|
Rib roast or rack |
0.5 - 1 kg |
16 minutes |
20 minutes |
35 minutes |
|
Crown roast (unstuffed) |
1 – 2 kg |
20 minutes |
25 minutes |
40 minutes |
|
Shoulder roast |
1.4 -2.4 kg |
|
35 minutes |
50 minutes |
|
Shoulder roast (boneless) |
1.2 – 2.2 kg |
|
50 minutes |
70 minutes |
|
Note: Start with meat at refrigerated temperature. Remove the meat from the oven when it reaches
2° to 3°C below the desired doneness; the temperature will continue to rise as the meat stands. |
Lamb Grilled on High Heat |
|
Lamb Cut |
Thickness or Weight |
Approximate Cooking Time (minutes per side) |
|
Medium-rare (58°C) |
Medium (64°C) |
Well Done (73°C) |
|
Chops
(shoulder, loin, or cutlets) |
1.5 cm |
2 minutes |
3 minutes |
4 minutes |
|
Steaks (t-bone or leg) |
2.0 cm |
3 minutes |
|
|
|
Shashliks |
2.5 cm cubes |
4 minutes |
|
|
|
Patties |
1.5cm |
|
|
4 minutes |
