Butterflied Leg of Lamb BBQ Cook Time
180°C (350°F) Medium Heat, turning
20–30 min total, turning every 7–8 min • Internal: 57–60°C (135–140°F) for medium
Doneness Guide
| Level | Internal Temp | Cook Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium-Rare (thin parts) | 55°C (131°F) | 20 min total | Warm pink. The thinner sections will reach this first. |
| Medium (thick parts) | 60°C (140°F) | 25–30 min total | Pink centre in the thickest section. |
How to BBQ Butterflied Leg of Lamb
1
Ask your butcher to butterfly the leg, or do it yourself: remove the bone and open flat.
2
Marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and oregano.
3
Preheat BBQ to medium — 180°C (350°F).
4
Grill for 20–30 minutes total, turning every 7–8 minutes.
5
The uneven thickness gives you a range of doneness — this is a feature, not a bug.
6
Pull at 55°C. Rest for 15–20 minutes (critical for a large cut). Slice across the grain.
Pro Tips
- The uneven thickness means some parts will be medium-rare and some medium-well. This lets everyone get their preferred doneness.
- Marinating overnight makes a huge difference — the acid tenderises and the flavours penetrate deeply.
- This is the ultimate Aussie BBQ showpiece. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any gathering.
- Rest longer than you think — 15–20 minutes minimum for a whole butterflied leg.
- A chimichurri or salsa verde drizzled over sliced lamb is exceptional.
Resting Time
Rest for 15–20 minutes after removing from the BBQ. This allows juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
External Resources
- AmazingRibs.com — Science-based BBQ and grilling techniques
- Taste.com.au — Australian recipes and BBQ cooking inspiration
- SBS Food — Multicultural Australian BBQ and cooking content
- Bunnings BBQ & Outdoor — BBQ setup guides and outdoor cooking advice
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to BBQ butterflied leg of lamb?
20–30 minutes total over medium heat, turning every 7–8 minutes. Rest 15–20 minutes.
Should I marinate butterflied lamb leg?
Strongly recommended. At least 2 hours, overnight is best. Classic marinade: olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon, oregano.
Why does butterflied lamb cook unevenly?
The uneven thickness is actually a benefit — it gives you a range from medium-rare to medium-well, so everyone gets their preferred doneness.
How long should you rest butterflied lamb?
15–20 minutes. It’s a large cut and needs time for juices to redistribute. Don’t rush it.