Roasted Lamb Ribs & Shoulder (Mechoui)

If you’re looking for a traditional Moroccan dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly tender, Moroccan Roasted Lamb Ribs and Shoulder, also known as Mechoui, is the perfect choice. This recipe uses simple Moroccan spices, garlic, butter, and smen (preserved butter) to create juicy, melt-in-your-mouth lamb that can be cooked in the oven, over charcoal, or in a traditional neighborhood oven.

Prep Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 2½–3 hours
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 1 lamb shoulder and/or lamb ribs
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp smen (Moroccan preserved butter)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup water

Optional Vegetables

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Onion

For the vegetables:

• Olive oil or butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Mix the paprika, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, salt, crushed garlic, smen, melted butter, and water to make a marinade.

Step 2

Rub the marinade all over the lamb, making sure every part is well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3

Place the lamb in a roasting pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and roast in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 2½ to 3 hours, until very tender.

Step 4

Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F). Roast for another 15–20 minutes until the meat is beautifully browned.

Step 5

If using vegetables, sauté them briefly with olive oil or butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them around the lamb during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Traditional Neighborhood Oven

After seasoning the lamb, place it in a suitable roasting dish, cover well, and cook it in a traditional Moroccan neighborhood oven until tender and golden.

Charcoal Grill

Slow-roast the lamb over medium charcoal heat, turning occasionally and brushing with melted butter until cooked through and beautifully browned.

Tips

• Marinating the lamb overnight gives the richest flavor.
• Keep the lamb covered while roasting to ensure it stays moist.
• Serve with Moroccan bread, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.