Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast

Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast is a delicious centerpiece that combines the succulent flavors of lamb with the tangy sweetness of honey and mustard. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a delightful Sunday dinner, providing a rich and satisfying experience that will impress your family and guests.

Lamb breast, a flavorful and tender cut of meat, is the star of this dish. Its perfect balance of meat and fat makes it an ideal choice for roasting. The process is straightforward: start with a high-quality lamb breast, marinate it in a delicious blend of honey, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This marinade not only infuses the lamb with deep, robust flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

The marinade is the heart of this dish, creating a symphony of flavors that enhance the natural taste of the lamb. Honey adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting, creating a golden, crispy exterior. Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy contrast that cuts through the meat’s richness. Freshly chopped rosemary and thyme add earthy, aromatic notes that complement the lamb perfectly, while minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that rounds out the marinade. The extra virgin olive oil helps to bind the ingredients together and facilitates the roasting process by ensuring the lamb remains moist and tender.

Roasting the lamb breast begins with marinating it, preferably overnight, to let the flavors fully penetrate the meat. The lamb is placed in a roasting pan surrounded by slices of fresh lemon, which add a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor as it cooks. Covering the lamb with aluminum foil helps to lock in moisture and ensure even cooking.

After roasting the lamb breast, covered for about two hours, the foil is removed, and the oven temperature is increased to 450°F (230°C). This final blast of high heat caramelizes the honey in the marinade, creating a beautifully browned and slightly crispy crust. The reserved marinade is brushed over the lamb breast before this final roasting phase, enhancing the caramelization and adding an extra layer of flavor.

Once the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, it is removed from the oven and allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting is crucial as it will enable the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.

Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast is a versatile dish that can be paired with various side dishes. Consider serving it with paprika mashed sweet potatoes, which offer a comforting, slightly sweet complement with a hint of smokiness to the savory lamb. A chilled pea and mint salad provides a refreshing contrast, adding a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, can also be cooked in the same oven for convenience, rounding out the meal with hearty and delicious accompaniments.

Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast is a dish that tantalizes the senses with its elegance and flavor. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements creates a complex and satisfying taste profile that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Whether for a special occasion or a memorable family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich, tender lamb with its beautifully caramelized crust and the delightful flavors of the honey mustard marinade.

Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

Total time

3

hours 

30

minutes

Honey Mustard Roasted Lamb Breast is a succulent dish featuring tender lamb marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce, roasted to perfection, and finished with a caramelized crust.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pound lamb breast

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rosemary, freshly chopped

• 1/2 tablespoon thyme, freshly chopped

• 1 whole lemon, sliced

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Preheat the Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Prepare the Marinade:
  Combine the honey, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme in a bowl. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Marinate the Lamb:
  Pat the lamb breast dry with paper towels. Place the lamb breast in a roasting pan or baking dish. Pour half of the honey mustard marinade over the lamb, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let the lamb marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For best results, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
• Roast the Lamb:
  Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the marinated lamb breast in the roasting pan. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast the lamb breast covered for about 2 hours to ensure it becomes tender.
• Finish Roasting:
  After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Brush the reserved honey mustard marinade over the lamb breast. Continue to roast uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the lamb is browned and caramelized on the outside.
• Rest and Serve:
  Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices. Slice the lamb breast into portions and serve alongside your desired side dishes, like paprika mashed sweet potatoes and chilled pea and mint salad.