By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Quick Answer

Teriyaki Lamb Marinade: Combine 80ml soy sauce, 3 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake (or dry sherry), and more. Marinate 4 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

About This Marinade

This teriyaki marinade brings a sweet, salty, glossy flavour profile to your lamb. Simmer the sauce briefly to dissolve the sugar. Reserve some for basting during cooking.

Prep Time

10 minutes (simmer to thicken)

Marinate Time

4 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

sweet, salty, glossy

Best Cuts

leg (butterflied), shoulder, chops, backstrap, kebab cubes

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
soy sauce80ml
mirin3 tbsp
sake (or dry sherry)2 tbsp
brown sugar2 tbsp
fresh ginger (grated)1 tbsp
garlic (minced)2 cloves
sesame oil1 tsp

Lamb loves bold flavours. The natural richness stands up to strong marinades like jerk and Korean.

How to Make Teriyaki Lamb Marinade

  1. Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
  2. Prep the lamb: Pat the lamb dry with paper towel. Trim any excess fat if needed.
  3. Marinate: Add the lamb to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, up to 24 hours for deeper flavour.
  4. Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.
  5. BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F) until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.
  6. Rest: Let the lamb rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Lamb

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Lamb Cuts for Teriyaki Marinade

The best cuts of lamb for this marinade are: leg (butterflied), shoulder, chops, backstrap, kebab cubes.

A butterflied leg of lamb is the ultimate marinade vessel — the large surface area absorbs maximum flavour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate lamb in teriyaki marinade?

Marinate lamb in teriyaki marinade for 4 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.

Can I use teriyaki marinade on other meats?

Yes! Teriyaki marinade works well on chicken and beef too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.

Should I marinate lamb in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ teriyaki marinated lamb?

Grill teriyaki marinated lamb over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium lamb grilling experiments and flavour comparisons.
Video
2
Weber Grill Skills
Weber Australia's guides for grilling lamb on gas and charcoal.
Manufacturer
3
How to BBQ Right (YouTube)
Malcom Reed's grilling and smoking techniques for lamb.
Video
4
AmazingRibs.com
Science-based lamb grilling guides and internal temperature charts.
Reference