Lamb has a naturally rich, full flavor. With the right herbs you can make the meat fresher, more herbaceous, or warmer and deeper in taste. Making your own seasoning for lamb is simple and often much tastier than standard mixes from the supermarket.
In this blog you will discover which herbs pair well with lamb, how to easily make your own herb mix and how to use it for lamb chops, rack of lamb, lamb mince or pulled lamb from the BBQ.
Which herbs go well with lamb?
Lamb pairs well with Mediterranean herbs and warm spices. Especially fresh and earthy flavors complement the character of the meat.
Popular herbs for lamb are:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Paprika powder
- Black pepper
- Mint
- Lemon zest
For a more Middle Eastern flavor you can also add cinnamon, sumac or ras el hanout.
Recipe: make your own herbs for lamb
This herb mix goes well with almost all types of lamb.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest
Preparation
Mix all the herbs in a small bowl or spice jar. Store the mix airtight in a dark place.
Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the herb mix per 500 grams of lamb.
How do you use herbs for lamb?
You can use the herb mix dry as a dry rub, or mix it with oil or yogurt for a marinade.
Dry rub for lamb
Rub the lamb first with a little olive oil and then generously sprinkle the herb mix over the meat.
Perfect for:
- Rack of lamb
- Lamb chops
- BBQ skewers
- Lamb burgers
Marinade for lamb
Mix:
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 to 2 tbsp herb mix
- Juice of half a lemon
Let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours for extra tender and flavorful results.
Which herbs suit lamb chops?
For lamb chops, these work particularly well:
- Rosemary
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Lemon
- Black pepper
Sear the chops briefly at high temperature so the meat remains nicely pink inside.
Which herbs suit lamb mince?
Lamb mince pairs well with:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Paprika powder
- Cinnamon
- Mint
Ideal for:
- Köfte
- Meatballs
- Lamb burgers
- Wraps
Mix your own herbs or use ready-made spices?
Mixing your own herbs gives you full control over flavor, salt and heat. Handy if you like to experiment or want to cook without unnecessary additives.
Want to be ready faster? Then you can also choose Mediterranean mixes, BBQ rubs or individual spices like cumin, oregano and rosemary from the webshop of Natural Spices.
For professional use, hospitality or larger volumes there is also a ready-made Lamb Spice Mix available.
This spice mix was developed for a full, spicy flavor with different types of lamb and is suitable for, among other things, rack of lamb, chops, shawarma and minced preparations.
Tips for extra flavor
- Add fresh mint just before serving
- Pair lamb with lemon or pomegranate
- Use charcoal on the BBQ for extra deep flavor
- Always let the meat rest after cooking
Frequently asked questions about herbs for lamb
1. Which herbs taste best with lamb?
Rosemary, thyme, garlic, cumin and oregano are classic herbs that pair perfectly with lamb.
2. Can herbs for lamb also be used for chicken?
Yes, especially Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano also work well with chicken or potatoes.
3. How long can you store homemade herbs for lamb?
About 6 to 12 months in a closed spice jar in a dry, dark place.
4. Is fresh rosemary better than dried rosemary?
Fresh rosemary gives more aroma, but dried rosemary works better in herb mixes that you store for longer.
5. Can you make herbs for lamb without salt?
Yes, you can easily omit the salt if you want more control over flavor or sodium intake.
