Which herbs go well with lamb?

Looking for more ways to cook with lamb? See our lamb recipes, slow cooker lamb recipes and barbecue lamb recipes for inspiration.

Which herbs are best for pairing with lamb?

Classically, lamb pairs well with the following herbs:

• Rosemary: Rosemary and lamb is a classic pairing, with rosemary's woody flavour complementing lamb's savoury notes
• Mint: Often used in Middle Eastern dishes, mint provides bright freshness to offset lamb's richness. Mint sauce is often served alongside lamb
• Oregano: Oregano's strong, earthy and slightly spicy notes pair well with lamb, and the pairing is typically seen in Mediterranean-inspired dishes
• Thyme: This herb enhances lamb's earthy, savoury flavour, as well as providing aromatic notes
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is an excellent herb to serve with lamb, either in a marinade, sauce, rub or dressing
• Basil: A key ingredient in many Italian dishes, basil is great as part of a rub, marinade or garnish for lamb
• Tarragon: Often used as part of a fresh, tangy sauce, marinade or butter, tarragon's aniseed tones can offer a unique flavour
  
• Cumin: This herb's warm, earthy tones provide a pungent, aromatic boost to dishes
• Coriander: Coriander gives an earthy and citrussy boost to lamb, typically in marinades as well as in curries and stews
• Marjoram: A more delicate alternative to oregano, marjoram's aromatic and slightly sweet notes pairs well with lamb

What other flavours pair well with lamb?

• Warm and punchy spices, including paprika, cinnamon and harissa paste are often used to boost lamb's delicate flavour
• Garlic is a common flavour pairing for added depth and richness
• Lamb can also stand up to sharp and peppery flavours such as mustard powder
• Zesty citrus fruits such as orange and lemon are often used to brighten lamb dishes
• Red wine is used to add depth and enhance lamb's rich flavours
• Tomato-based sauces and roasted tomatoes provide rich savoury flavour
• Lamb also benefits from being balanced with a sweet element, such as fruity apricots

Which herbs go with roast lamb?

• Thyme adds an earthy and aromatic edge to roast lamb. Try it in our slow-cooked lamb with onions & thyme
• Oregano pairs wonderfully in Mediterranean-inspired roast lamb recipes, such as our Greek roast lamb
• Stuff lamb pockets with a few rosemary leaves before roasting. See how in our garlic & herb roast lamb on boulangère potatoes

Which herbs go with lamb chops?

• Use lemon and mint for a hit of freshness in these zesty lamb chops with crushed kidney beans
• Lamb chops are left to marinate with thyme, chilli flakes and oil in Diana Henry's lamb chops with thyme, chilli & Greek htipiti
• Chopped rosemary leaves are used to marinate lamb chops in this simple Mediterranean-inspired lemon & rosemary lamb traybake

See our lamb chop recipe collection for more ideas.

Which herbs go with lamb stew?

• Bay leaves and rosemary sprigs gives a herbal and woody flavour to this easy lamb stew
• Cumin and coriander bring aromatic depth to this slow cooker Moroccan lamb stew
• Fenugreek leaves and parsley offer smoky, earthy and slightly peppery notes to this Persian herb, red bean & lamb stew

If you like the sound of these, see more of our casserole and slow cooker ideas.

Which herbs go with lamb shanks?

• Bay leaves, garlic and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary are used in these braised lamb shanks
• Cumin, black pepper and paprika bring spice and depth to these tender lamb shanks with chickpeas & Moroccan spices
• Figs, apricots and pomegranate molasses provide sticky sweetness in these succulent spiced lamb shanks

See our collection of lamb shank recipes for more meal inspiration.

Discover more food and drink pairing ideas:

• The best wines to pair with lamb

Find more ways to cook with lamb...

• What to do with leftover lamb
• Cheap cuts: How to buy lamb
• How to cook lamb chops
• How to cook lamb
• Cheap cuts: How to get the most from meat
• 30 best Easter dinner ideas