How Long to Cook Lamb on the Grill

We'll share a handy chart that shows you how long to grill different cuts of lamb, from chops to kabobs and more so they turn out just the way you want, plus top-rated grilled lamb recipes to try.

Lamb Internal Temperature

Lamb is medium rare when the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F (52 degrees C), however the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). It is considered well done at 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Grilling Times for Lamb

Cut	Method	Heat	Time	Internal Temp. (minimum)
Chops: Shoulder, Loin, or Rib	---	---	---	---
1-inch thick	Direct	High	5 min./side	145 degrees F (63 degrees C)
Steaks: Sirloin, or Leg	---	---	---	---
1-inch thick	Direct	High	5 min./side	145 degrees F (63 degrees C)
Kabobs	---	---	---	---
1-inch cubes	Direct	High	4 min./side	145 degrees F (63 degrees C)
Patties	---	---	---	---
1/2-inch thick	Direct	High	3 min./side	160 degrees F (70 degrees C)
Leg, Butterflied	---	---	---	---
4 to 7 pounds	Indirect	Medium	40 to 50 min./total	145 degrees F (63 degrees C)

Top-Rated BBQ & Grilled Lamb Recipes to Try

Grilled "Tandoori" Lamb

"Didn't skewer and cooked cubes on a grill pan. Served in flat bread with hummus, plain Greek yogurt, and baby arugula. Yum!!" — Hol0703

Lemon and Thyme Lamb Chops

"I'm a novice when it comes to cooking but this was so easy to follow and the results were fantastic." — k slater

Mediterranean Lamb Burgers

"These burgers are juicy and full of flavor. You can double the recipe and freeze half of the patties in wax paper to eat at a later time. Fine to place on the grill frozen (just add to the cooking time)." -- HerbanSpoons

Kofta Kebabs

"These kebabs have 6 different kinds of spices. The first time I smelled them I knew immediately that I had to find the recipe. Serve with yogurt, flat bread, lettuce, tomato and cucumber." -- SRKELZ

Korean Barbecued Rack of Lamb

"Excellent marinade, and it really did cut down on the gamey flavor. I grilled it over charcoal and finished it in the oven." — Soma Bars

Chef John's Grilled Lamb Steaks

Marinade the lamb in Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The key, though, is drizzling the vinaigrette over the steaks immediately after pulling them from the grill. "Using vinaigrette as a sauce for grilled meats is one of my favorite 'cheats' of all time. They take minutes to whisk together, there's absolutely no culinary finesse required, and the combinations of oils, vinegar, and flavorings are limitless." -- Chef John

Chef John's recipe for Grilled Lamb Steaks.

More: See our entire collection of BBQ * Grilled Lamb Recipes