Ten of the best Lamb Marinades for the BBQ

Looking for an easy way to take your barbecue lamb recipes to the next level? Marinades are probably the easiest way to do so. A good marinade not only keeps your grilling moist and flavourful, but they make it healthier. These marinades embrace flavours from across the world and are the perfect complement to beautiful cuts of New Zealand lamb.

Our favourite marinades for lamb

Balsamic Marinade

Whisk together ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon finely shredded mint and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Add marinade to lamb in a zip-lock bag and allow to marinade in the fridge for at least 1 hour, and ideally overnight.

Greek Marinade

Juice two lemons in a bowl, add a 1/4 of a cup of olive oil while whisking, then add 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped oregano, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Mediterranean Marinade

Combine 3 cloves crushed garlic, 1/2 cup tomato paste, 1/2 cup oil, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1/4 cup red wine and mix well

Honey Mint Marinade

Combine 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon minced chilli, 1 tablespoon fresh mint, 2 tablespoons honey and mix well.

Hoisin Marinade

In a bowl whisk together 1/3 cup of hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of minced scallions, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Lemon And Oregano Marinade

Mix the juice of 1 large lemon with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and pepper, 1/2 tablespoon of dried oregano and 2-3 crushed garlic cloves.

Satay Marinade

Combine 1 cup of fresh dry roasted peanuts, 1/3 of a cup of water, 1/2 a teaspoon of dark soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce if you prefer), 1/2 a teaspoon of tamarind paste (or 1/2 a tablespoon of lime juice, ), 1/2 a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or 1 teaspoon of Thai chili sauce; more or less, to taste), and a 1/3 of a cup of coconut milk. Blend the ingredients until smooth!

Honey Mustard Marinade

Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or red wine vinegar), 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey mustard and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Garlic, Oregano, Basil Marinade

Combine 1 cup red wine, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons dry oregano, 2 teaspoons dry basil and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Vietnamese Marinade

Season lamb with 2 cloves of sliced garlic and one teaspoon of garlic powder. Then add a pinch of chilli powder, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. After cooking the lamb garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and squeeze two lemon and lime wedges before serving.