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Greek Lamb Tacos
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Greek Lamb Tacos - Gourmet And Food

I still remember the first time I had Greek lamb tacos. A friend hosted a cookout and introduced me to something I never knew I needed in my life. Not only are these tacos packed with flavor, but they offer a delightful spin on traditional tacos. The heady mixture of spices on the slow-roasted lamb mingled perfectly with the fresh, crunchy veggies and creamy sauce. Since that day, I’ve been hooked.
This dish flips the boring taco script on its head and layers in Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re cooking for a group or just whipping up something for yourself, Greek lamb tacos are sure to impress. And crafting them is a journey — one I’m excited to guide you through.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Greek Lamb Tacos
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Lamb:

  • 5-6 pound boneless lamb shoulder roast
  • 12 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cup tightly packed fresh herbs – a mix of thyme, parsley, oregano, or sage
  • 1/2 Zest of lemon
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 5-6 teaspoons kosher salt approx. 1 teaspoon per pound of meat
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional

For the Roasting Liquid:

  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 fresh bay leaves
  • 1 cup dry white wine

For Taco Fillings:

  • 1010-12 small tortillas a blend of flour and corn is recommended
  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
  • 6 crisp radishes, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh torn Italian parsley or fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese optional

For Minted Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek-style yogurt full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 Zest of lemon
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb

  • Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. This low temperature makes sure that the lamb becomes tender without drying out. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the garlic, olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.

Step 2: Season the Lamb

  • Take the lamb shoulder and make several small slits all over the surface. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeply. Rub the garlic and herb mixture all over the lamb, getting into those slits.

Step 3: Set Up the Roasting Pan

  • In a large roasting pan, scatter the sliced onions and bay leaves. Place the lamb on top and pour the white wine around it. This infuses a beautiful depth into the cooking process.

Step 4: Roast the Lamb

  • Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the lamb is fall-apart tender. The magic happens here, as the flavors meld beautifully with low, slow cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Veggies and Sauce

  • While the lamb roasts, chop up your veggies. Prepare the minted yogurt sauce by mixing the yogurt, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, mint, salt, and garlic powder. Let this sit in the fridge to chill and marry those flavors.

Step 6: Shred the Lamb

  • Once the lamb is done roasting, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. The meat should practically fall off the bone.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

  • Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the oven. More importantly, fill them with a generous amount of pulled lamb, add in the cucumber and radish, and drizzle with your yogurt sauce.

Notes

Choose Quality Lamb: Sourcing high-quality lamb will enhance flavor. Check local butcher shops for fresh cuts.
Don't Rush the Roast: Lamb needs time to become tender. Resist the urge to crank up the heat.
Fresh is Best: Use freshly chopped herbs for the marinade. They make a world of difference.
Complement with Toppings: Besides the basic toppings, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for a zesty kick.
Experiment: Have fun with the toppings! Try slices of avocado or a sprinkle of za’atar spice for additional layers of flavor.