Unique Spices That Go With Lamb (15+ Tasty Ideas)

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

Wondering what spices go well with lamb? You’re asking the right question.

There’s nothing worse than a dry, bland piece of meat. You invest your time and energy into making a delicious meal, only to be disappointed when it’s not as flavorful as you hoped.

It sucks.

You need to find the right spices to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

But how?

To be honest, I used to be clueless too. But, over time, I’ve developed a hack that always works. That’s why many people wonder how I’m able to produce the same result day after day, even when I’m using different spices.

Well, they… you don’t have to wonder anymore, because I’m about to share my secrets with you. I promise it’s not as hard as it seems right now.

Just keep reading. I’ll give you a list of my favorites, as well as some tips and tricks on how to use them. By the time you’re done, you’ll be a pro at pairing spices with lamb!

Spices That Go With Lamb

  1. Rosemary
  2. Coriander
  3. Oregano
  4. Mustard powder
  5. Basil
  6. Chili powder
  7. Mint
  8. Baharat
  9. Curry powder
  10. Cumin
  11. Sage
  12. Black pepper
  13. Paprika
  14. Thyme
  15. Garlic powder

Rosemary

When I was in culinary school, we were taught to always pair lamb with rosemary. And while rosemary is a great herb for lamb, I find that it can be a bit overpowering if you’re not careful.

If you want to use rosemary, I suggest using it sparingly. A little goes a long way with this herb. You can also try mixing it with other spices on this list to create your own unique blend.

Coriander

Coriander is a great spice to use if you want to add a bit of sweetness to your dish. It’s also perfect for lamb because it helps balance out the gamey flavor.

I like to use coriander in curries, stews, and braised dishes. It’s also lovely in a simple rub or marinade.

Oregano

Oregano is a must in my kitchen, and it’s one of my favorite spices to use with lamb. It has a slightly bitter taste that helps cut through the richness of the meat.

I like to use oregano in lamb dishes that are cooked in tomato sauce or wine. It’s also great in herbs de Provence, which is a mixture of spices that are commonly used in French cooking.

Mustard powder

Mustard powder is another spice that I like to use in braised lamb dishes. It adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor.

I find that it pairs well with spices like chili powder, paprika, and cumin. If you’re looking for a bit of a kick, try adding a teaspoon or two of mustard powder to your dish.

Basil

 

Basil is a delicate herb that has a sweet, floral flavor. It’s often used in Italian cooking, and it’s one of my favorite spices to use with lamb. This lovely spice originated from India, is commonly used in curries and masalas.

Chili powder

Chili powder is a spice blend that typically contains chili peppers, cumin, and oregano. It adds a bit of heat to a dish, so use it sparingly if you’re sensitive to spice.

I like to use chili powder because it adds a lot of flavor without being too overpowering. It’s perfect for lamb dishes that are cooked in tomato sauce or wine.

Mint

Mint is a refreshing herb that has a cool, crisp flavor. It’s often used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.

I like to use mint in lamb dishes as they bring a lovely coolness and sweetness to the dish. I also love to use it in a simple rub or marinade.

Baharat

Baharat is also a spice blend that originates from the Middle East. It typically contains spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and paprika.

I don’t use this spice blend as often as I’d like, but when I do, it’s always a hit. It pairs well with lamb too.

Curry powder

 

Curry powder is a blend of spices that typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili peppers. It’s my go-to for everything, including lamb dishes.

I love using curry powder because it adds a lot of flavor without being too spicy. It’s just so utterly perfect.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice that has a warm, earthy flavor. It pairs well with lamb because it helps to balance out the gamey flavor.

Strangely, I like to use cumin in lamb dishes because of its earthy bitterness that helps cut through the richness of the meat.

Sage

 

Sage is a herb that has a slightly minty flavor with a hint of lemon. It pairs well with lamb because it helps to balance out the gamey flavor.

I particularly like to use sage in lamb dishes because of the health benefits. Sage is known to help with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Black pepper

Nothing will ever make me give up my love for black pepper. It’s just so perfect for everything, including lamb dishes.

I like to use black pepper because it adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor. It’s also excellent for lamb since it helps to balance the gamey flavor out.

Paprika

Plant Capsicum, a genus in the nightshade family, is where we get paprika from. The peppers are dried and then ground into a powder.

I use paprika in lamb dishes for the beautiful red color it gives the dish. It also doesn’t hurt that it adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor as well.

Thyme

Reach for thyme whenever you want to give your dish a herby flavor. It’s perfect for lamb dishes because it helps balance out the meat’s gamey flavor.

You would be hard-pressed to find a dish that doesn’t benefit from the addition of thyme. It’s just so great.

Garlic powder

 

Finally, we have garlic powder. This is another spice that I use in almost everything, including lamb dishes.

I like to use garlic powder because it adds a lot of flavor without being too overpowering. It’s perfect for lamb dishes that are cooked for a long time.

A List Of Other Options

Classic Herbs

  1. Rosemary
  2. Mint
  3. Oregano
  4. Sage
  5. Basil
  6. Thyme

Spices That Add an Extra Kick

  1. Garlic powder
  2. Paprika
  3. Coriander
  4. Mustard powder
  5. Cumin
  6. Chili powder
  7. Black pepper
  8. Harissa

Aromatic Spices

  1. Cardamom
  2. Cassia, cinnamon,
  3. Clove
  4. Baharat
  5. Turmeric
  6. Curry
  7. Vadouvan

Seeds, Herbs, Vegetables and Others

  1. Fennel seeds
  2. Dill
  3. Fenugreek
  4. Cardamom Pods
  5. Coriander Seeds
  6. Juniper Berries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook lamb?

There are many ways to cook lamb, but my favorite is to slow cook it. This allows the lamb to become incredibly tender and full of flavor.

What is your favorite way to eat lamb?

My favorite way to eat lamb is in a stew. I love how the flavors of the spices and vegetables come together in a stew. Plus, it’s just so darn comforting.

Conclusion

Lamb is a strong flavor, and you need spices that can stand up to it. But, at the same time, you don’t want the spices to overpower the delicate taste of the meat.

It’s a delicate balance, but it’s not as hard at all. Here’s what you do:

First, take a look at the spices you have on hand. Then, think about what flavors would complement the lamb.

For example, if you have cumin and paprika, they would go well with a Middle Eastern-style lamb dish. If you have rosemary and thyme, they would be perfect for a traditional roasted lamb.

Once you have your spices, it’s time to get cooking! If you’re not sure how to use them, don’t worry. Just start experimenting and see what works best for you. As long as you remember that lamb is a unique meat that has its own set of requirements when it comes to spices and seasoning.

Andrew

Chef