Roasted lamb pieces topped with fresh onions and peppers, ready to serve.

Grilled Lemon Scotch Bonnet Lamb Recipe

By Tima Gaye

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Scotch Bonnet Lamb Recipe 🌟

  • Bold & Flavorful: Juicy lamb, zesty lemon, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers come together for a flavor explosion.
  • Tender & Juicy: Seared and roasted to perfection, every bite stays moist and full of rich taste.
  • Unique Twist: A Mediterranean base with a spicy Caribbean kick—perfect for impressing guests.
  • Versatile: Serve it with rice, flatbreads, or salad—it works beautifully for family dinners or special occasions.
  • Unforgettable Aroma: The blend of lemon, spices, and peppers fills your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.

🎥 Unlock the Grilled Lamb Quiz Answers

Watch a short video first, then reveal the answers to test your knowledge!

🧠 Quick Quiz: Grilled Lamb Facts

  1. Which cuts of lamb are recommended for this grilled recipe?
  2. Which fiery pepper is sliced thin to bring in the heat?
  3. What fresh citrus juice is added to balance the richness of the lamb?

Introduction

If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, zesty, and packed with heat, then this Grilled Lemon Scotch Bonnet Lamb Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy lamb pieces are first seared to perfection; afterwards, they are infused with a citrusy splash of fresh lemon juice and the fiery punch of Scotch bonnet peppers. As a result, every bite balances smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors beautifully.

This recipe isn’t just about grilling lamb—rather, it’s about layering flavors step by step. For example, the rich seasoning paste clings to the meat and builds depth, while the final squeeze of lemon instantly brightens the dish. In addition, sealing the pan ensures that the Mediterranean aromas mingle with the Scotch bonnet heat for a unique fusion.

Whether you’re planning a weekend family meal, a special dinner, or simply want to impress guests with something different, this lamb recipe delivers. Therefore, get ready for tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth—yet carries a fiery edge that makes it unforgettable.

📝 Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Scotch Bonnet Lamb Recipe

  • Your favorite cut of lamb – chops or leg recommended
  • Salt – to taste
  • Onion – 1 whole
  • Scotch bonnet peppers – thinly sliced (adjust to your spice level)
  • Cube seasoning (or bouillon)
  • Black pepper – 1 tsp
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Optional: mustard, extra spices for the seasoning paste

Sear the Lamb for Maximum Flavor

Heat a heavy pan over medium heat and let it warm up. Add the lamb pieces, and you should hear that satisfying sizzle right away. Leave them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing a golden-brown crust to form. Once the first side is nicely browned, flip the pieces and do the same on the other side.

This simple step makes all the difference. Searing locks in the juices and builds a rich flavor base that will carry through the rest of your stew. Take your time here—good browning means great taste later.

Fresh raw lamb pieces in a mixing bowl with a spoon of oil.

Infuse with Lemon Juice

After browning the meat, it is advisable to drizzle an appropriate amount of lemon juice over it and to cover the pan securely with either a lid or aluminum foil. This method effectively retains the Mediterranean flavors, allowing them to permeate the meat thoroughly. Gently shaking the pan will promote an even distribution of the flavor infusion, ensuring that each bite is rich in taste.

Browned lamb pieces in a pan drizzled with lemon juice, ready to be covered.

Infuse with Lemon and Seal in the Flavors

After your lamb has browned beautifully, drizzle a modest amount of fresh lemon juice over the meat. The acidity lifts the richness of the lamb and gives the dish a refreshing Mediterranean touch. Immediately cover the pan securely with a lid or with aluminum foil. This step locks in steam and ensures the flavors don’t escape as the meat continues to cook.

To help the lemon juice coat every piece evenly, gently shake the pan a few times. This simple move allows the citrus to seep into the lamb, so every bite comes out tender, juicy, and infused with a balanced depth of flavor. By covering the pan, you’re essentially creating a little flavor chamber where the lamb absorbs all that goodness.

White bowl with ingredients being prepared for a seasoning paste.

Create Your Flavor Booster Paste

While the lamb cools slightly, it’s time to prepare the flavor bomb that will bring your stew to life. In a small bowl, combine a seasoning cube, a spoon of mustard, and a dash of black pepper. Use the back of your spoon to press and mix until everything blends into a smooth, thick paste.

This simple mix may look small, but it’s powerful—it adds depth, spice, and a tangy kick that will soak beautifully into the meat later. Think of it as the secret weapon that transforms ordinary lamb into a rich and flavorful Mediterranean-style stew.

Browned lamb pieces on a plate, ready to be coated with seasoning paste.

Coat the Lamb with Your Flavor Paste

Now that your lamb is still warm and beautifully seared, it’s the perfect time to add your flavor booster. Place the pieces in a bowl and coat them generously with the seasoning paste you prepared earlier. Make sure every side is covered—this is where the lamb soaks up all that rich seasoning.

Once coated, transfer the lamb back into the oven and let it roast for another 10–15 minutes. During this time, the mustard, black pepper, and seasoning cube will sink into the meat, creating layers of bold, savory flavor. Don’t hold back on this step—the more evenly the paste clings, the juicier and more aromatic your lamb stew will turn out.

Roasted lamb pieces topped with fresh onions and peppers, ready to serve.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Sear First: Don’t rush the browning step—it locks in the juices and builds a rich base of flavor.
  • Balance the Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are powerful—adjust the amount to your spice level for the perfect kick.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness that bottled juice can’t match.
  • Cover & Cook: Keep the pan sealed with a lid or foil so the flavors infuse deeply into the lamb.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the lamb sit for a few minutes after cooking to keep it tender and juicy when sliced.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

Scotch bonnet is hot. Start with a small amount (¼–½ pepper, seeds removed) and build up. You’ll still get bright heat from the lemon even if you keep the chilies mild.

What cuts of lamb work best?

Lamb shoulder, leg, or ribs work well. Choose pieces with a little fat for juicier, more flavorful results.

Can I grill instead of using the oven?

Yes! Sear over direct heat to char, then move to indirect heat until cooked through. Brush with lemon juice near the end to keep it bright and juicy.

What temperature should I use?

For the second roast after coating with paste, use 180°C / 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, depending on piece size.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Brown and coat the lamb, then chill for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven and finish with fresh lemon and onions before serving.

Substitutes for Scotch bonnet?

Use habanero (similar heat) or red chili (milder). For low heat, try smoked paprika + chili flakes.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently and refresh with a squeeze of lemon.

What can I serve with it?

Try jollof rice, couscous, flatbreads, or a crisp salad. Mustard or hot sauce on the side is perfect.

🔗 Helpful Resources for This Recipe

🌶️ Curious about Scotch bonnet peppers and just how fiery they can be? Discover their flavor profile and heat scale on Chili Pepper Madness .

🍖 Want to choose the juiciest cut of lamb for grilling or roasting? Check out this step-by-step guide from BBC Good Food .

🥢 More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved the bold flavors in this lamb dish, you’ll also enjoy my Flavorful Stir-Fry Meat & Vegetables . It’s another quick and tasty recipe packed with fresh ingredients and rich spices.

About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.


💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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