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

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Quick Answer

Thai Lemongrass Lamb Marinade: Combine 2 stalks lemongrass (white part, finely sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 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 thai lemongrass marinade brings a fragrant, citrusy, aromatic flavour profile to your lamb. Bash the lemongrass with the back of a knife before slicing to release the oils. The coconut cream helps the marinade cling to the meat.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Marinate Time

4 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

fragrant, citrusy, aromatic

Best Cuts

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

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
lemongrass (white part2 stalks
finely sliced)As needed
garlic (minced)3 cloves
fish sauce2 tbsp
soy sauce1 tbsp
lime juice2 tbsp
brown sugar1 tbsp
fresh ginger (grated)1 tbsp
red chilli (sliced)1
coconut cream2 tbsp
handful of coriander stemsAs needed

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

How to Make Thai Lemongrass 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 Thai Lemongrass Lamb

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Lamb Cuts for Thai Lemongrass 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 thai lemongrass marinade?

Marinate lamb in thai lemongrass 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 thai lemongrass marinade on other meats?

Yes! Thai Lemongrass 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 thai lemongrass marinated lamb?

Grill thai lemongrass 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
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Rigorously tested lamb cooking methods and recipes.
Video
2
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Official food safety temperature guidelines for lamb.
Government
3
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
BBQ lamb experiments with detailed temperature tracking.
Video
4
Serious Eats
Scientific approach to grilling lamb chops, cutlets, and legs.
Reference