Grilled Lamb Breast Recipe with Caribbean Spices

Calendar icon Published: Nov 1st 2021 by Rachael Ottier Hart
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 16th 2024
Read time: 7 mins
Cuisine:
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Grilled Lamb with caribbean spices on wooden cutting board.

Lamb breast is a budget-friendly cut that brings exceptional flavor when cooked properly. With its rich marbling, this cut transforms beautifully on the grill, and when paired with our vibrant Caribbean spice rub, it delivers a deep, smoky, and aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a special family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe showcases the best of Caribbean grilling, making it a must-try for anyone looking to add bold flavors to their grilling repertoire.

This Grilled Lamb Breast with Caribbean Spices brings a delightful twist to traditional lamb dishes. The Caribbean spice blend adds a smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lamb's rich texture. It’s an easy yet exotic way to elevate your outdoor grilling experience, impressing both family and friends.

  • Marination Time: Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Indirect Heat: Grill the lamb using indirect heat for most of the cooking time to avoid burning the spice rub and ensure even cooking.
  • Rest the Lamb: After grilling, let the lamb rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Serve this grilled lamb breast alongside classic Caribbean sides such as coconut rice, fried plantains, or a fresh mango salsa. The bold spices of the lamb pair well with the sweetness of these accompaniments, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. For a refreshing finish, consider serving with a crisp salad or chilled tropical drink like a homemade Caribbean rum punch.

  • Lamb Breast Substitute: If you can't find lamb breast, try using lamb ribs or shoulder; both cuts work well for grilling with spices.
  • Spice Blend Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your preference. You could add cayenne for more heat or swap thyme for oregano for a different herbal note.
  • Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, the lamb breast can also be roasted in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours to achieve similar tenderness.

If you have leftover grilled lamb breast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or on the grill to maintain its tenderness and flavor. Leftovers can also be shredded and used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding a delicious twist to your next meal.

  • Lamb Breast: The star of this recipe, lamb breast has a good amount of marbling, making it perfect for grilling.
  • Caribbean Spice Mix: A mix of paprika, cumin, allspice, garlic powder, and thyme adds an authentic smoky, sweet, and spicy Caribbean touch.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the lamb and adds a rich undertone.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the lamb and enhancing the flavors of the spice blend.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a grill?

Yes, you can roast the lamb breast in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours until tender.

How long should I marinate the lamb?

For the best flavor, marinate the lamb for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.

What sides pair well with grilled lamb breast?

Coconut rice, fried plantains, or a fresh mango salsa make great sides that complement the Caribbean flavors of this dish.

How to Make Grilled Lamb Breast with Caribbean Spices

Start by preparing the lamb breast by trimming the excess fat and rubbing it generously with a Caribbean spice blend consisting of paprika, cumin, allspice, garlic powder, and thyme. Let it marinate for at least two hours or overnight to fully develop the flavors. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat.

Place the lamb breast on the grill over indirect heat, letting it cook slowly until tender and juicy—this should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Occasionally, turn the lamb to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the grilled lamb with your favorite sides for a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal.

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Average: 4.8 (18 votes)
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
60 mins
Cook Time
60 mins
Total Time
120 mins
Serves
4 persons

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Lamb Breast Meat (Boneless)

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Dry Spice Rub
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder

  • 1 teaspoon Cumin

  • 1 teaspoon Paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon Allspice

  • 1 teaspoon Salt

  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

  • 2 teaspoons Dried Mint (mint tea bag)

Instructions

Seasoning

Mix the Dry Rub Ingredients together into a bowl and set aside.

Rinse the lamb breast and pat dry with paper towels to remove all excess water.

Rub the lamb breast with the olive oil, making sure to completely coat the meat. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the lamb breast, making sure to massage the rub into the meat.

Allow the meat to rest and marinate and place in a food container or bowl for at least an hour and set aside.

Cooking the meat

Using a grill, the lamb breast is cooked in two phases: the first is low and slow, and the second is hot and fast. The first phase of low and slow will use low indirect heat and cook for 20 minutes on each side. The second phase of hot and fast will use high direct heat and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until the outside of the lamb is charred to your liking.

Gas Grill

Preheat the grill using half of the burners to one side of the grill and cover for 5 minutes.

Place the meat on the side where the burners are turned off and allow cooking with the cover on for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes have passed, turn the meat over and allow the other side to cook with the cover on for 20 minutes.

Once the second 20 minutes have passed, place the meat on the side where the burners are on and allow it to cook covered for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes have passed, turn the meat over and allow the other side to cook covered for another 5 minutes.

Once the meat is charred to your liking, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving tray to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Slice the meat into 4 portions and serve warm on a plate with your choice of side dishes.

Charcoal Grill

Preheat the grill by lighting the coals and allowing them to warm up for 5 minutes, covered.

After the coals have preheated, move them to one side of the grill so that half of the grill will get direct heat from the coals and the other half will have no coals and no direct heat.

Place the meat on the side with no coals, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes have passed, turn the meat to the other side and continue to cook covered on the side with no coals for another 20 minutes.

Once the second 20 minutes have passed, place the meat on the side of the grill over the coals to cook, covered for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, turn the meat to the other side and cook directly over the coals again for another 5 minutes, covered.

Once the meat is charred to your liking, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving tray to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Slice the meat into 4 portions and serve warm on a plate with your choice of side dishes and refreshing drinks like Homemade Caribbean Rum Punch.

Rachael Ottier Hart
Author:
Culinary Storyteller & Spa Manager

More posts by Rachael Ottier Hart

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Carol Smith (not verified)

Well I am just fi to try a lamb breast recipe yall gave me

Permalink 19 Aug 2023

Jennifer Dodd

Thank you for the comment & let us know how it worked out for you.

Permalink 21 Aug 2023

Rickey Taylor (not verified)

First time trying the Lamb breast.Reall looking forward to grilling in.👍😋

Permalink 24 Aug 2023

Jennifer Dodd

It’s so tender and delicious, thanks for stopping by & looking forward to hearing back about how it turned out.

Permalink 27 Aug 2023

Vivian Marigold (not verified)

Hi. For the grilling part on a gas grill, what do you suggest the temperature should be at? In process of grilling.

Permalink 27 Aug 2023

Jennifer Dodd

Hi Vivian, 350F will work for cooking on a gas grill.

Permalink 27 Aug 2023

Shell (not verified)

Haven't tried this yet but excited to! Do you just place the meat directly on the grill grate? Or should I put it in foil or something? Thanks for the recipe to try!

Permalink 31 Aug 2023

Jennifer Dodd

We love this recipe as its different then all the rest and so tasty, in this recipe the meat is grilled then cooked onto one side of the grill. You can defiantly wrap it in foil to keep the moisture in and cook the lamb until it's tender and juicy. Let us know how it works out for you and thank you for your comment.

Permalink 10 Sep 2023

Justin R Southworth (not verified)

You don't indicate when the dry rub should be added.

Permalink 11 Mar 2024

Sarah Leadon

Hi, Justin. Thanks for leaving a comment. The rub should be added to the lamb breast after you coat it with oil. This step has been added to the recipe instructions.

Permalink 05 Apr 2024

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