This pan-seared lamb steak recipe is fantastic! Tender lamb infused with Greek-inspired flavors then seared in a skillet in just a matter of minutes! Super easy. This recipe is gluten free, low carb, and keto.
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You will love this Lamb Steak Recipe
"One. Lamb has so much flavor. Two. Other than make the marinade these only take less than 8 minutes to cook! On a busy night what else could you ask for? (Besides a glass of wine, that is)" 🙂 - Kori
Quick
Lamb steaks in a matter of minutes - like less than 8 minutes of cooking time. Now that's quick!
Perfectly Seasoned
I like to make the marinade the day before then add the lamb steaks so they are well flavored before I pan-sear them.`
Healthy
This recipe is gluten-free, low carb, keto, and dairy-free - with no added sugar. Balance this meal with vegetables and you have the perfect healthy dinner for your family.
What is a lamb steak?
A lamb steak is a cut of meat from a lamb that has been sliced from a larger cut, such as a leg or shoulder, into a single slice, most commonly between ½” to 1” in thickness. The steaks can be bone-in or boneless and are typically cut from the leg, loin, or shoulder.
Pan-seared Lamb Leg Steak ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this pan-seared lamb steak recipe:
Ingredients
Lamb Leg Steaks - I used 1/2-inch thick lamb leg steaks.
Lamb Marinade - this is a Greek-style lamb marinade, but you could use any favorite kind you want. You could also keep it as simple as salt and pepper, or use a dry rub.
Olive Oil
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
Equipment
Equipment and tools needed to make this recipe:
- 12" Skillet - my favorite pan to use is my 12" cast-iron skillet.
- Measuring Cup
- Instant Read Thermometer
How to cook Lamb Steaks in a pan
Here's how to make this pan-seared lamb steak recipe:
Prep
Prepare your marinade and gather your equipment.
Marinade
Place lamb steaks in a shallow bowl or a plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the top of the meat and place in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes up to 24 hours.
Pan-Sear Lamb Steaks
Preheat oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat.
Place steaks in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until lamb reaches your desired doneness. Note: if the pan gets too hot be sure to reduce the heat.
Serve
Remove steaks from the skillet and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes then serve.
Cooking time for lamb steaks
½ inch thick lamb steaks take approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending upon the method that you use and what your desired level of doneness is. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness, and refer to my chart below.
Tips on how to cook lamb steaks so they are tender
Here’s how to cook lamb steaks so they are tender:
- Use a marinade or dry rub.
- Allow the steaks to sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sear the steaks on both sides, then follow the recipe instructions for finishing.
- Use a thermometer to test doneness and refer to my chart below.
How to serve Lamb Steak
Ways to serve your lamb steaks:
- Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables and some mashed potatoes or cauliflower.
- Lamb pairs well with a salad. Try this Greek Salad, or a fresh green salad with Creamy Dill Salad Dressing or Tzatziki Sauce.
- While it may not be traditional, this makes a great super easy holiday main dish!
Lamb Leg Steak Recipe variations
Here are a few ways you can vary or make substitutions to your pan-seared lamb steak recipe:
- Use lamb chops, lamb shoulder, or lamb leg steaks. If you have steaks or chops that are thicker than 1/2 inch - adjust cooking time and use a thermometer to test doneness. You will need to sear both sides at a higher temperature for about 1 minute 30 seconds minutes then reduce the heat.
- Skip the marinade and just season generously with salt and pepper.
- Season the lamb steaks with our dry rub then sear.
- Give your steaks a Tex-Mex flavor and sprinkle with a little chipotle seasoning.
Be sure to pin this to Pinterest for later! 🙂
Top Tips
- Make-ahead tip: make the marinade and marinate the lamb the day before. Voila! All that's left is to pan-sear the lamb on the day you want to serve it.
FAQs for Lamb Leg Steaks
To store leftover steaks, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. See reheating instructions below.
Reheat slowly in a microwave on 50% power or in an air fryer set at 325-degrees F until it is warm enough to your liking.
Yes, absolutely. Cook your lamb steaks in a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of oil for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
No, lamb is actually very tender meat. If your lamb steaks are tough it's more than likely because they were overcooked. Avoid overcooking by using an instant-read thermometer to test doneness. Remove lamb when your desired doneness is reached. Use the following chart as a guide:
rare 120°
med rare 125°
medium 135°
medium well 145° (USDA recommended)
well done 155°
There are several really good ways to cook a lamb steak. My favorite methods are:
- Pan-seared in a skillet
- Grilled
- Air Fried
My favorite method for tenderizing a lamb steak is with a marinade or a dry rub. To ensure your lamb steak is perfectly cooked and tender, be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness.
Most likely, your lamb steaks are tough because they were overcooked. Marinating lamb steaks also aids in tenderizing the meat before cooking.
More Lamb Recipes
If you are looking for more delicious lamb recipes, check these out:
- Air Fryer Lamb Chops Recipe
- The Best Greek Burger (Gyro Burger)
- Lamb Stew (Instant Pot)
- Lamb Mince Shepherd's Pie
- Easy Lamb Korma
Recipe
Pan-Seared Lamb Leg Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 to 18 ounces lamb leg steaks (½" thick)
- ½ cup lamb marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your marinade and gather your equipment.
- Place lamb steaks in a shallow bowl or a plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the top of the meat and place in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place steaks in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until lamb reaches your desired doneness. Note: if the pan gets too hot be sure to reduce the heat.
- Remove steaks from the skillet and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes then serve.
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: Use any lamb marinade, dry rub, or seasoning that you choose
- TOP TIPS: Marinate for a minimum of 2 hours up to 24 hours; use a thermometer to test doneness.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with a side of vegetables or a green salad.
Lamb Temperature Doneness Chart
- rare 120°
- med rare 125°
- medium 135°
- medium well 145° (USDA recommended)
- well done 155°
Nutrition
© 2023 Seeking Good Eats™
Ken says
These were spot on! So much flavor and they were super easy. Watch the temp carefully it goes up fast! Thx
Kori says
Thank you so glad you loved the lamb steaks! You are right they cook fast so the temp goes up quick. 🙂
robert macconnell says
I've gotten a lot of recipes off the internet and all of them have turned out pretty good as long as you follow the instructions getting ready to try out this lamb steak recipe I'll let you how it turns out frying pan medium heat a little bit of oil cook 3 to 4; minutes on earth side. Thanks
Kori says
I hope you enjoy the lamb steaks! 🙂