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Split Lamb Breast Plate Recipe
Hadiya

Split Lamb Breast Plate Recipe

This slow-cooked lamb breast is super tender and full of flavor which is perfect for a big, cozy dinner. It’s so soft it practically melts in your mouth. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and really simple to make, whether you're new to cooking or have been doing it for years.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 lbs lamb breast bone-in, trimmed of extra fat
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced (for brightness)
  • 1/4 cup chicken or lamb broth optional, for basting
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan or baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush (optional)
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Prepare the Rub
  1. Mix the olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices in a bowl to make a paste. Pat the lamb dry with a paper towel. Rub the mix all over the meat, especially on the fat, to add great flavor.
Score the Fat
  1. With a sharp knife, make light cuts across the fat on the lamb. Make them about an inch apart, going in two directions to make a diamond pattern. Only cut the fat, not the meat. This helps the fat melt and makes the top crispy while the meat stays juicy.
Preheat and Roast
  1. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Put the lamb in a pan with the fat facing up. Bake it uncovered for 30 minutes to brown the outside. Add the broth, cover the pan with foil, and bake for another 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s done when the meat is soft enough to pull apart with a fork.
Rest and Crisp
  1. Take the lamb out of the oven. Keep it covered with foil and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps it juicy. If you want it extra crunchy, put it back in under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Slice and Serve
  1. Move the lamb to a board. Cut between the bones or pull the meat apart with forks. It should be very soft. Serve warm and pour the juices from the pan over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

For the best results with this recipe, don't be shy with the seasoning it really brings out the lamb's natural flavor. Give it plenty of time to slow cook so it gets super tender. And, as always, fresh, high-quality ingredients will make all the difference