Last updated on September 20th, 2022 at 09:16 pm
Lamb is a tender, savory red meat with robust earthy tones. Some would describe lamb meat as more exotic and gamey tasting. Whichever the case, most of us find lamb quite delicious.
With more ways to make lamb than there are fingers on your hands, it would come as no surprise that this delicacy frequently graces most dining tables all over the world.
And if you’ve been looking to incorporate healthy food into your meal repertoire, you can’t go wrong with a tenderloin cut of lamb.
For starters, lamb is an excellent source of iron, vitamin B12, minerals, and high-quality protein. In addition, consuming a moderate amount of lamb may lead to improved muscle function and increased muscle mass.
Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of lamb broth, sizzling hot lean lamb straight from the pan, or a nicely tinged, charred rack of lamb ribs, this list of 25 healthy lamb recipes will guide you in creating culinary masterpieces as far as healthy lamb recipes go.
Why You’ll Love These Lamb Recipes;
A well-prepared lamb recipe comes out finger-licking delicious and hearty enough for the entire family to enjoy.
These recipes also use only natural ingredients like garlic, ginger, fresh basil, turmeric, lemon, cumin, curry, and garam masala powder, which are already linked to many health benefits. We’ll also use healthy ways of preparing the meals to avoid any extra fats going in the dish.
Lamb is also considered healthier red meat. It boasts higher levels of ruminant trans fats compared to pork or beef.
Ruminant trans fats have been linked to health benefits such as reduced body fat mass.
Lamb is also loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds that boost your health.
Here are some of the compounds found in lamb that contribute to the stakes health benefits:
- Zinc is a mineral tasked with forming hormones and encouraging growth.
- Iron, heme iron found in lamb, is incredibly bioavailable, making it easy for the body to absorb. Iron also makes it easy for the body to absorb non-heme iron found in plants. Iron is excellent for combating anemia.
- Vitamin B3 is excellent for brain health and blood formation
- Creatine is responsible for energizing muscles.
- Taurine is great for healthy hearts and muscles.
Delicious and Healthy Lamb Recipes
This list of healthy lamb recipes will guide you into preparing some of the most finger-licking lamb delicacies to warm every picnic, BBQ session, or a casual evening with friends and family.
1. Delicious and Super Healthy Lamb Curry
This hearty and heady curry will come out viscously thick to make for an incredible spread atop your rice dish or any other accompaniment meal of your choosing.
The recipe is packed with both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors that combine so well to create this drool-inducing, full of flavor delicacy.
The pepper will bring up the heat, and the lemon will add that pleasant zesty tone. Serve this with flavourful tabbouleh, butternut squash, lentils, tzatziki sauce, or burgers.
Ingredients
- 800 g lamb meat (cubed) approx 2 pounds
- 1 large onion
- 3 tbsp curry powder (for hot)
- 1 green chili (fresh- for extra hot)
- 1/2 tsp seeds (mixed)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 8-10 curry leaves (fresh, frozen or dry)
- 2/3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 can tomato (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1/2 lemon (its juice)
- 1 tsp salt
2. Delicious Giant Lamb Burger
Burger doesn’t get healthier than this. This lamb burger recipe gives you a delicious alternative way to cook your ground lamb.
The spices used here add to the delicate taste of our already delightful meat. The side of yogurt will give you savory creaminess. In case you get some leftover minced lamb, you can make some lamb patties that are equally delicious.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground lamb (1 lb) I used 20% fat (80% lean)
- 1 med aubergine I used organic
- 1/4 tsp salt I have used pink Himalayan
- 1/3 tsp pepper freshly ground
- 2 sprigs thyme fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp tsp rosemary powdered (optional)
- 1/3 tsp nutmeg freshly ground (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp miso paste I have used Yutaka sweet rice miso paste
- 1 clove garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder ( I always use fresh)
- 400 g bun (approx 14.1 oz)
- 50 g red cabbage ( 1.7 oz)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme and basil to decorate
- 2-3 tbsp yoghurt or tzatziki ( to serve optional)
3. Garlic Herb Lamb Chops Recipe
Give this recipe a go if you love your steak juicy and dripping with marinade goodness. Likewise, the lamb chops will come out extra juicy and dripping with flavourful sauces. serve this with a side of vinaigrette, red wine, or fiber-rich blood oranges.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb chops
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
4. Healthy Roast Lamb
This delicious lamb recipe can choose any lamb cut you prefer. We, however, recommend a leg of lamb or lamb shoulder for extra nutritious benefits and the baste effect of oven baking.
Ingredients
- lamb
5. Healthier Lamb Balti
When looking for flavourful curry, give this healthier version of lamb balti a try. The recipe is ripe with Indian spices, a tribute to its Indian origin.
The dish is a restaurant staple for its burst of flavors and the tender steaks that easily fall apart. With a slow cooker and a steady pot, you’ll be chowing down on this delicacy in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 Pack (400g) Diced Lamb
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Lime Juice or Juice from 1 Lime
- 1 Teaspoon (3g) Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon (3g) Chilli Powder
- 1 Tablespoon (10g) Vegetable Oil
- 1 (45g) Green Chilli
- 1 Medium (150g) Onion
- 2 (6g) Garlic Cloves or 1 Teaspoon (5g) Garlic Puree
- 1 Piece (20g) Fresh Ginger
- ½ Teaspoon (2g) Ground Turmeric
- 1 Teaspoon (3g) Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon (1g) Dried Coriander Leaf
- 1 Teaspoon (3g) Garam Masala
- 1 Can (200g) Chopped or Plum Tomatoes or Passata
- 1 (160g) Red Pepper
- 1 Medium (85g) Tomato
- 0.3 Pack (85g) Baby Spinach
- (10g) Fresh Coriander
- 1 Mug (300g) Easy Cook Rice
6. Mediterranean Lamb Bowls
This easy-to-prepare assembly of natural foods is bursting with nutritious ingredients, including feta cheese, tomatoes, paprika, turmeric, and olive oil. The recipe will guide you in preparing a healthy bowl of ground lamb you can eat with some pita bread or a side of turmeric rice.
Ingredients
- For Spiced Ground Lamb:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped plus more for garnish
- For Bowls:
- 1 cup Turmeric Rice or other rice of choice
- Spiced Ground Lamb
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 cucumber peeled and diced
- 1 cup hummus homemade or store bought
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 2 pita bread optional, for serving
7. Sticky Lamb Stew (Perfect for Lamb Shanks)
A slow cooker will do the trick when you want your meat to melt in your mouth. This recipe results in a sticky-delicious healthy stew with the lamb melting on your palate.
The rosemary in this dish will compliment the robust lamb flavor, while lemon or sumac drizzle will give off sensational fruity, tangy notes. The recipe involves braising, so it can be perfect for tough cuts like lamb shanks.
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp oil
- 750 g
- lean lamb, diced 1
- onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tsp beef stock, reduced-salt
- ½ cup prunes, halved
- 1½ tbsp tomato paste, salt-reduced
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
8. Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops
Whether you prefer your steak rare, well done, or medium rare, this is the perfect recipe that goes with any doneness—an easy recipe you can make in less than five minutes.
No need to prep ingredients or marinate for hours. Instead, your steak is ready to hit the pan with a simple rub of a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 generous pinch sea salt
- 1 pound lamb chops
9. Healthy Easter lamb
The fragrant leg of lamb comes off the oven steaming hot and swirled with delicious spicy flavors thanks to the stuffing of garlic add and rosemary that went into it.
The recipe will also guide you into preparing the side of scalded veggies that will pair well with this and make the dish healthier.
Ingredients
- 2 onions , peeled and thickly sliced
- 2 large carrots , thickly sliced
- boneless leg of lamb (around 1.5kg), trimmed of excess fat
- 4 garlic cloves , sliced
- 3 rosemary sprigs , leaves picked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the veg
- 800g baby carrots , peeled
- 500g frozen broad beans
- 600g frozen peas
- small bunch mint , finely chopped
- small bunch parsley , finely chopped
- 1 lemon , zested and juiced
10. Heart-Healthy Lamb Chops with Greek Yogurt Horseradish
Greek yogurt contains vitamins and minerals that support muscle and bone health. The perfect side can add a healthy touch to your meals.
The yogurt sauce pairs so well with the robustly flavored steak as it slows down the flavor punch, making the steak more savory.
Ingredients
- 8 ½ inch lamb loin chops (about 2 pounds) fatty tips trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Greek style yogurt
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (you can add extra if you like it spicier)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons minced chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
11. Healthy Bowl of Lamb Soup
Do you know what pairs well with a chilly winter night when you’d rather curl up on a rocking chair in front of the fireplace? A steaming bowl of lamb soup.
The recipe is relatively straightforward. Add all the ingredients to your tagine (a North African stew pot) or regular soup pot, then slow cook to perfection. The delicacy pairs well with pita.
Ingredients
- 750 gms lamb shanks or bone-in shoulders
- 1 onion large roughly chopped
- ¾ cup celery
- 2- inch ginger finely chopped
- 8-10 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 carrots small diced
- 3 bell peppers chargrilled and quartered
- 4-5 black peppercorns
- ½ inch cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cardamoms
- 5-6 cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt as needed
- Oil as needed
- 1 L water
12. Roasted Rack of Lamb
As the lamb bastes on its fat, the thyme bursts with flavor, inducing intense earthiness and slight tanginess to the roasting lamb.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb Frenched (cut so that the rib bones are exposed), 1 ½ lb, 8 ribs
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
13. Grilled Leg of Lamb with Mint-Garlic Rub
Once the lamb hits the grill, the garlic mint combination creates an aromatic burst of flavors. The herby spices spring to life, giving off earthy, fresh-cool, and vibrant notes.
With such an overpowering mint flavor, garlic does an excellent job of holding its own to ensure that you spot that sweet, nutty tang of baked garlic when you sink your teeth into this juicy steak.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, loosely packed
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 5-pound boneless leg of lamb, butterflied and trimmed (see Tip)
14. Harissa Lamb With Spiced Chickpea Salad
Sometimes simplicity is divine. With just a few ingredients, this recipe will guide you into creating a deliciously sticky pan-seared lamb filet to the doneness of your choosing. Serve this with a side of blanched chickpea salad or cauliflower.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp harissa (see note), plus extra to serve
- 750g lamb fillets, trimmed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 bunch baby carrots, halved lengthways
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Handful of coriander leaves
- 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- Low-fat Greek-style yoghurt, to serve
- Select all ingredients
15. Lamb and Squash Biryani With Cucumber Raita
Try this recipe if you’re looking for an all-rounded, super hearty, healthy meal. The lamb is stir-fried to take on that luscious golden brown hue before adding rice to make the dish a biryani perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 lean lamb steaks (about 400g), trimmed of all fat, cut into chunks
- 2 garlic cloves , finely grated
- 8 tsp chopped fresh ginger
- 3 tsp ground coriander
- 4 tsp rapeseed oil
- 4 onions , sliced
- 2 red chillies , deseeded and chopped
- 170g brown basmati rice
- 320g diced butternut squash
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 20cm length cucumber , grated
- 100ml bio yogurt
- 4 tbsp chopped mint , plus a few extra leaves
- handful coriander , chopped
16. Lamb Dopiaza With Broccoli Rice
This lamb recipe is easy to make, delicious, and contains healthy ingredients. The succulent tomatoes here will add to that sweet, zesty flavor, while the onion will add the crunch and crispiness of the dish.
Ingredients
- 225g lamb leg steaks , trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2.5cm/ 1in chunks
- 50g full-fat natural bio yogurt , plus 4 tbsp to serve
- 1 tbsp medium curry powder
- 2 tsp cold-pressed rapeseed oil
- 2 medium onions , 1 thinly sliced, 1 cut into 5 wedges
- 2 garlic cloves , peeled and finely sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger , peeled and finely chopped
- 1 small red chilli , finely chopped (deseeded if you don’t like it too hot)
- 200g tomatoes , roughly chopped
- 50g dried split red lentils , rinsed
- 1/2 small pack of coriander , roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish
- 100g pack baby leaf spinach
- For the broccoli rice
- 100g wholegrain brown rice
- 100g small broccoli florets
17. Healthy Turkish Meatloaf
This North African meatloaf is brimming with wholesome ingredients from mint, cloves, cinnamon, red onions, pepper, and rapeseed oil. It’s the perfect meal prep recipe for an afternoon summer picnic with friends.
Ingredients
- a little rapeseed oil for the tin
- 1 onion , finely chopped
- 1 large aubergine , cut into slices lengthways then finely diced (about 320g)
- 250g pouch cooked brown rice
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- ½ pack dill , chopped, plus extra to serve (optional)
- 2 tsp each ground cinnamon and allspice
- 250g lamb mince (10% fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 227g can chopped tomatoes
- For the salad
- 1 pack of three peppers , deseeded and roughly chopped
- 2 large courgettes (about 500g), halved and sliced
- 2 large red onions , sliced
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove , finely grated
- handful chopped mint
18. Fruity Lamb Tagine
You can’t go wrong with fruity lamb tagine when you’re craving some sweet buttery steak that melts right into your mouth.
Laced with ingredients such as pomegranate seeds, dried apricot, chili, coriander, and sun-dried tomatoes, this hearty stew will be brimming with great-for-your-health compounds. Best to serve it with couscous and garnish with lime slices.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 500g lean diced lamb
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 large carrots, quartered lengthways and cut into chunks
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ras-el-hanout spice mix
- 400g can chopped tomato
- 400g can chickpea, rinsed and drained
- 200g dried apricot
- 600ml chicken stock
- To serve
- 120g pack pomegranate seeds
- 2 large handfuls coriander, roughly chopped
19. Lighter Lamb Biryani
The recipe gives a healthy twist to ordinary biryani with a bold switch of regular rice with a cauliflower version.
The result? A creamy dish with deliciously moist lamb. Serve this bold recipe the next time you have your friends over to delightfully surprising their culinary sense of adventure.
Ingredients
- For the cauliflower pilau
- 350g cauliflower florets
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 3 cardamom pods , lightly crushed
- ½ tsp fennel seeds , lightly crushed
- a few pinches of black onion seeds or nigella seeds
- For the spicy lamb
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 large onion , finely chopped
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 red chilli , deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 200g very lean lamb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp bouillon
- 15g toasted flaked almonds
- 50g pomegranate seeds
- handful small mint leaves
20. Spiced Shepherd’s Pie
It’s a shepherd pie but with ground lamb. The easy-to-make recipe is the perfect meal prep item because you can perfectly freeze it to eat later.
If you’re trying to eat healthy while staying on a budget, use your common spices and any frozen veggies you have. In case you have minced lamb leftovers, whip up some mean kebab.
Ingredients
- 500g pack lean minced lamb
- 1 onion , chopped
- 2 carrots , diced
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 200ml hot stock (lamb, beef or chicken)
- 200g frozen peas
- 800g potatoes , diced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- small bunch coriander , roughly chopped
- juice half lemon , plus wedges to serve
21. Oregano Lamb With White Bean Hummus and Flatbread
The baked lamb, comes out moist and tender with the robust woodsy flavor infused with oregano.
The hummus spread is the perfect sauce to pair with this delicious meal, balancing the taste and bringing out that savory umami flavor. Oregano lamb can go with a side of flatbread.
Ingredients
- 18oz lean lamb backstrap, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons capers, roughly chopped, plus vinegar from caper jar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 4 wholemeal pita breads
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 14oz can no-added-salt cannellini beans, rinsed, drained
- ¼ cup hummus
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 oakleaf/buttercrunch lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 cucumber, cut into ribbons
22. Moroccan lamb and roasted veges
Moroccan Lamb and Roasted Veggies You Can Use in Gyro or Lamb Burgers
This decadent Moroccan lamb recipe from North Africa will have you returning for more.
You can never go wrong with this recipe when you want the main meal that needs no side dishes or sauces.
The dish is easy to make and requires a simple oven-bake of your lamb and preferred veggies. The nutrient result can also be layered in lamb burgers.
Ingredients
- 2 small courgettes, chopped
- 1 red capsicum, thickly sliced
- 1 yellow capsicum, thickly sliced
- 2 small Lebanese eggplants, cut in rounds
- 2 medium red onions, cut in thin wedges
- 11oz pumpkin, peeled, cut in 1¼” pieces
- cooking spray oil
- 2 x 7oz lamb backstraps
- 1 ½ tablespoons Moroccan seasoning
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 5oz green beans, trimmed
- 7oz baby spinach
- 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon juice
23. Delicious and Super Healthy Lamb Curry
The recipes guide you into creating a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and ingredients that pack serious aromatic punches.
Combine the ingredients and place them on your slow cooker, then watch as the magic happens. You can serve this spiced lamb on top of your cauliflower rice or any dish of your choosing.
Ingredients
- 800 g lamb meat (cubed) approx 2 pounds
- 1 large onion
- 3 tbsp curry powder (for hot)
- 1 green chili (fresh- for extra hot)
- 1/2 tsp seeds (mixed)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 8-10 curry leaves (fresh, frozen or dry)
- 2/3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 can tomato (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1/2 lemon (its juice)
- 1 tsp salt
24. French Lamb Casserole
This is another flavorful slow-cooked lamb recipe you can eat as a meal on its own because it’s nutritionally complete. To avoid that mushy texture vegetables take on when cooked for too long with stew, it would be best to prepare veggies separately and combine the ingredients when you’re about to serve.
Ingredients
- 1kg lamb, diced, trimmed of fat
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1-2 tsp. thyme
- 1-2 tsp. rosemary
- 3 cups beef stock
- 80g tomato paste
- 4-5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 large carrots cut into chunks
- 160g med mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Handful chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 1½ cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2-3 tbsp. cornflour
- 8-10 shallots, peeled, leave whole or halved
- 2-3 large potatoes cut into chunks
25. Garlic Herb Lamb Chops Recipes
If you love the robust herbaceous aroma that emerges as you pan-fry your meat, give this recipe a try. The flavorful marinade used to soak the steak is brimming with warm spices that will add that sensational woodsy notes to your steak.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb chops
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
Give These Scrumptiously Healthy Hearty Meals a Try.
There you have it. Delicious lamb recipes, full of flavor to suit all occasions.
Next time you’re hosting a BBQ or a picnic, don’t be afraid to let your culinary mastery shine.
The recipes provided above are easy to follow and flexible. Don’t be afraid to swap out a few vegetables or spices. Cooking is a fun art. So you might as well have fun with it.
FAQs on Healthy Lamb Recipes
Is roasted lamb healthy?
Roasted lamb is brimming with mineral vitamins and high-quality protein for muscle health. The cooking process also doesn’t involve adding extra oil to the lamb; the fat in the lamb melts out, resulting in a lower calorie delicacy.
Which veggies are good with roasted lamb?
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables, zucchini, mushroom, whole roasted carrots, potatoes, red pepper, pea, wrap, pomegranate, and garlic feta all pair well with roasted nutritious lamb.
Can you clean lamb chops with vinegar?
To clean lamb chops, you need to trim the excess fat from the meat, then soak it in a mixture of vinegar or lemon and water.
How long does it take to cook lamb curry?
To get tender meat, you need to slow cook the curry recipe for about 2 hours or when you notice the meat is tender to your liking.
What temperature do you roast a rack of lamb at?
Roasted lamb racks call for a hot oven of about 450 degrees F; cook for about 15 to 20 minutes.
