When it comes to a proper Sunday roast or a centerpiece for a special dinner, James Martin is the chef I always turn to for lamb. There is something about his approach—plenty of garlic, fresh herbs, and usually a generous knob of butter—that treats this incredible meat with the respect it deserves. I’ve spent many weekends in my own kitchen perfecting his techniques, and I’ve found that his recipes are surprisingly foolproof once you master a few simple tricks.
I’ve pulled together nine of my absolute favorite James Martin lamb recipes that have become staples in my home. Whether you’re looking for a slow-cooked shoulder that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork or a refined rack of lamb that looks like it belongs in a high-end gastropub, these are the dishes that never fail to impress. They are hearty, full of bold flavors, and always make the house smell incredible.
1. James Martin Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb Recipe
James Martin’s Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb is the ultimate “low and slow” masterpiece that I love making for a lazy Sunday. When I prepare this at home, the meat becomes so incredibly tender it literally falls off the bone with just a spoon. Infused with plenty of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, it fills the entire house with the most comforting aroma. It’s effortless, rustic, and pure perfection.
2. James Martin Slow Cooked Lamb
James Martin’s Slow Cooked Lamb is the definition of comfort food in my house. When I let this simmer away at home, the rich, glossy sauce develops an incredible depth that you just can’t rush. The meat becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender, soaking up all the aromatics from the red wine and root vegetables. It’s a soulful, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening—unfussy, yet completely luxurious.
3. James Martin Lamb Shanks
James Martin’s Lamb Shanks are the crown jewel of my slow-cooking repertoire. When I braise these at home, I love how the rich, red wine gravy reduces into a glossy, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the tender meat. The shanks cook until they are succulent and literally falling away from the bone. Served over a mountain of buttery mash, it’s a high-end gastropub-style meal that is surprisingly simple to master.
4. James Martin Lamb Shoulder
James Martin’s Lamb Shoulder is my favorite way to feed a crowd without the stress. When I roast this at home, I love how the fat renders down, keeping the meat incredibly succulent while the skin gets beautifully crisp. Rubbed with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, it’s a rustic, show-stopping center-piece. It’s the kind of honest, flavor-packed cooking that James does best, and it never fails to impress everyone at the table.
5. James Martin Lamb Tagine
James Martin’s Lamb Tagine is a fragrant, spice-filled journey that I love bringing to my own kitchen. When I make this at home, the combination of tender lamb, sweet apricots, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon creates a complex depth that is just addictive. It’s a beautiful, slow-cooked dish that balances sweet and savory perfectly. I find it’s the ultimate “one-pot” wonder that looks exotic but feels incredibly comforting and rustic.
6. James Martin Lamb Curry
James Martin’s Lamb Curry is my favorite way to bring a punch of bold, aromatic heat to the dinner table. When I cook this at home, the way the tender chunks of lamb simmer in that rich, spice-laden gravy is just incredible. It’s not about overwhelming heat; it’s about the layers of flavor from toasted spices and fresh ginger. It’s a hearty, vibrant dish that tastes even better the next day.
7. James Martin Lancashire Hotpot
James Martin’s Lancashire Hotpot is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal that I love simmering on a rainy afternoon. When I make this at home, the magic is all in the layers—succulent lamb and sweet onions tucked under a beautiful canopy of thinly sliced potatoes. I always finish it with a few knobs of butter on top to ensure that signature golden, crispy crust. It’s simple, heart-warming, and a true British classic.
8. James Martin Toad In The Hole
james martin toad in the hole
James Martin’s Toad in the Hole is the ultimate test of a good batter, and his recipe never fails to deliver that incredible rise. When I make this at home, I love the contrast between the juicy, high-quality sausages and the crisp, golden periphery of the Yorkshire pudding. The secret is getting the lard or oil screaming hot before pouring in the batter. It’s a nostalgic, soul-satisfying dish that’s best served with a lake of thick onion gravy.
9. James Martin shepherd’s pie
James Martin’s Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate upgrade to a British staple. When I make this at home, I love how he uses slow-cooked, pulled lamb instead of just standard mince, which gives the filling an incredible, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Topped with a mountain of buttery, leek-infused mash and plenty of sharp cheddar, it bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s rich, deeply savory, and the most comforting version of this classic you’ll ever taste.
