What Herbs Go with Roast Lamb? (11 Best Herbs)

When it comes to roast lamb, there are a few key herbs that really bring out the flavor of the meat.

Rosemary, thyme, and mint are classic choices, but there are plenty of other options to choose from as well.

So if you are wondering what herbs go with roast lamb, then you are in the right place.

In this article, I’m sharing 11 of the best herbs to use with roast lamb, as well as a few tips on how to use them.

Related: 13 Easy Desserts to Go with Roast Lamb

What Herbs Go with Roast Lamb?

There are a few herbs that go especially well with lamb: rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano. You can use any or all of these herbs in a variety of ways to season your lamb before roasting it. For example, you could rub the lamb with a mixture of olive oil and these herbs, or you could stuff the cavity of the lamb with a mixture of chopped herbs and bread crumbs.

No matter how you choose to use them, these herbs will add a delicious flavor to your roast lamb.

Keep reading for more ideas!

Here are 11 herbs that go well with roast lamb:

1. Rosemary

It is one of the most popular herbs used in Mediterranean cuisine and goes extremely well with roast lamb.

If you are using rosemary sprigs to flavor your lamb, make sure to bruising them beforehand so that they release their essential oils.

You can also add rosemary to your marinade or rub for extra flavor.

Just be careful not to use too much as it can quickly become overwhelming.

Rosemary pairs well with other strong flavors like garlic, thyme, and lemon.

So feel free to experiment and find a combination that you love!

2. Thyme

Thyme is both earthy and minty, which makes it a perfect match for roast lamb.

When used properly, thyme can add a touch of elegance to your dish.

Here are some tips on how to use this herb:

• If you are using fresh thyme, strip the leaves from the stem and give them a rough chop.
• A little goes a long way with thyme, so start by using less and then build up to your desired flavor.
• Thyme pairs well with other herbs like rosemary and oregano, so feel free to mix and match.
• Add thyme towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.

3. Mint

Mint has a sweet taste and produces a lingering cool effect in the mouth.

This herb is used in many cuisines around the world, including Middle Eastern, North African, Indian, British, Chinese, and more.

Mint goes well with roast lamb because it can help to cut through the richness of the meat.

When using mint with lamb, you can either add it to a marinade or rub it onto the meat before cooking.

You can also chop up fresh mint and sprinkle it over the lamb after it has been cooked.

If you are using dried mint, then you will need to use less than if you are using fresh mint.

Dried mint is more potent than fresh mint, so start with a little and then add more to taste.

4. Sage

Sage is earthy, slightly peppery, and has a slightly minty flavor that works really well with roast lamb.

If you’re using sage leaves, then you’ll want to use them sparingly as they can be quite strong.

Here are some tips for using sage:

• To release the flavors, rub the leaves between your fingers before adding them to your dish.
• Add sage early in the cooking process so that it has time to infuse its flavor into the dish.
• Don’t overcook sage as this will make it bitter.

5. Oregano

The fresh leaves of oregano are peppery and assertive, making them the perfect partner for roast lamb.

Just sprinkle a few leaves over your lamb before roasting, or chop them up and add them to a marinade.

If you’re using dried oregano, remember that it is more potent than fresh, so you’ll need to use less.

And be sure to crumble the leaves before adding them to your dish, as this will release their flavor.

Oregano also goes well with other Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, and olives.

So feel free to experiment and see what you like best!

6. Basil

The taste of basil is a mix between sweet and savory, with a slightly peppery flavor.

When used with roast lamb, it can bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using basil:

• If you’re using fresh basil, add it near the end of cooking so it doesn’t lose its flavor.
• A little goes a long way – too much basil can make your dish taste soapy.
• Basil goes well with other herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley.

If you’re looking for an easy way to use basil, try this recipe:

1. Rub some minced garlic and olive oil into a lamb roast.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle on some dried basil leaves.
3. Roast in a preheated oven until cooked through (internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Let the roast rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve with your favorite sides.

7. Parsley

Parsley has a bright, herbaceous, and pretty bitter taste which makes it a perfect seasoning for roast lamb.

When used in the right amount, parsley can enhance the flavors of your dish and make it more savory.

Moreover, it can also help to cut through the fat in lamb and balance out its richness.

Here are some tips on using parsley:

• Add parsley at the end of cooking so that its flavor is not cooked out.
• If you are using dried parsley, rehydrate it in water for 10 minutes before using.
• Use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley per pound of lamb.

8. Cilantro

Cilantro is said to have a fresh and citrusy flavor which makes it a perfect partner for roast lamb.

It can be used in a number of ways such as:

• Chop it up and sprinkle it on top of the roast lamb before serving
• Add it to a simple vinaigrette or yogurt sauce to accompany the dish
• Make a pesto using cilantro, mint, and pistachios to serve with the lamb

9. Chives

The mild taste of chives makes it a versatile herb that can be used in many dishes.

It goes well with roast lamb, as the mild onion flavor of the chives will not overpower the taste of the lamb.

Here are some tips for using chives:

• Chop chives finely before adding them to a dish, as they can have a strong flavor if they are not chopped properly.
• Add chives to a dish at the end of cooking, as they will lose their flavor if they are cooked for too long.
• If you are using dried chives, rehydrate them in water for 10 minutes before adding them to a dish.

10. Dill

This fresh herb has an herbaceous and grassy taste that can really elevate the flavors in your dish.

Dill goes especially well with roast lamb, as it can help to cut through the richness of the meat.

Here are some tips for using dill:

• If you’re using fresh dill, add it towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t lose its flavor.
• If you’re using dried dill, add it early on so that it has time to rehydrate and release its flavor.
• To get the most flavor from dill seed, toast it briefly before adding it to your dish.

11. Tarragon

The pungent and bittersweet taste of tarragon goes perfectly with roast lamb.

You can either use the fresh leaves or the dried form of this herb.

If you are using the fresh tarragon, then add it at the end of cooking so that its flavor does not get lost.

And if you are using the dried form, then add it during the beginning of cooking so that it has enough time to rehydrate and release its flavors.

Tarragon is also a great addition to sauces and marinades.

Try adding it to your next lamb sauce or marinade for an extra zing!

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