How to Roast Lamb in a Flaming Coals Wood Fired Pizza Oven (Without Burning It)

Author: Sasha Halabi  Date Posted:23 September 2025 

Roast lamb coated in herbs and tied with cooking string, baking in a black tray inside a wood-fired pizza oven with golden potatoes on the side.

 

Cooking a roast in your Flaming Coals wood fired pizza oven is a total game changer. Forget the oven inside. When you cook with fire, you get that golden crust, smoky flavour, and juicy centre that screams backyard cooking at its best.

But wood-fired ovens have a mind of their own. If you miss the mark on heat or timing, your lamb can come out burnt on the outside and raw in the middle.

Here’s how to avoid that and nail the perfect roast in your Flaming Coals oven, every time.

Why Cook a Roast in a Pizza Oven?

A Flaming Coals wood fired pizza oven isn’t just for pizza nights. With the right setup, it becomes a versatile outdoor roasting machine that adds flavour and theatre to all of your cook ups.

What makes roasting in a wood fired oven so special?

  • Real smoky flavour you can’t fake with gas
  • Radiant heat that is even from all directions
  • Crispy skin and caramelised edges
  • Extra space for potatoes, garlic bread, or baked apples
  • That unbeatable backyard vibe your mates will rave about

Setting the Heat for Roasting Success

Stainless steel wood-fired pizza oven with chimney, burning logs inside, set against a rustic wooden wall backdrop.

The secret to any good roast starts with a proper fire.

Follow these steps to build your base:

  • Stack hardwood (red gum is a favourite) using a raised log holder or teepee structure
  • Light it using natural firelighters (To view this product, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries here) and kindling. Skip the chemical soaked blocks
  • Leave the oven door and chimney flue open for the first 10 minutes to boost airflow
  • Once burning, close the door most of the way and set the flue to halfway
  • Aim for an internal temp of 200 to 220°C, ideal for roasting meats evenly

If you’ve got the time, lowering the temp and cooking for longer will bring even more tenderness and flavour.

Prepping the Lamb

Raw lamb roast tied with string and seasoned with Flaming Coals Lamb Rub and fresh herbs, resting on a wooden chopping board.

In our recent test, we used a 1.3kg deboned leg of lamb. This size is perfect for feeding four hungry people and fits easily in your Flaming Coals oven.

Here’s how to prep it:

  • Remove the butcher’s twine (To view this product, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries here) to open it up
  • Slice fresh garlic and rosemary, and tuck the pieces into the folds of the meat
  • Season generously with Flaming Coals Traditional Lamb Rub for full flavour

This rub is built for spit roasts and wood fired ovens, with a blend of herbs and spices that work beautifully with lamb.

Into the Oven: Cooking Tips

Once your oven is sitting steady around 200 to 220°C, place the lamb into a heavy duty roasting tray. Add whole garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, and potatoes around the meat to soak up the flavour.

Tips for a perfect cook:

  • Rotate the pan every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent hot spots
  • Use an instant-read thermometer, not just your timer
  • Aim for an internal temperature of 55°C for medium-rare
  • Our roast took around 1 hour, but always check the internal temp before serving

The Result: Flavour That Speaks for Itself

Pull it out, rest the meat for 10 to 15 minutes, then slice. You’ll get:

  • A rich, golden crust
  • Tender lamb with real wood-fired flavour
  • Crispy roast potatoes in the pan juices
  • That moment when your guests go quiet because they’re too busy eating

Want to Roast Like a Pro?

You don’t need chef training to pull this off. You just need a Flaming Coals pizza oven, quality fuel, a bit of prep time, and a good rub.

Explore our full range of Flaming Coals wood fired ovens, rubs, charcoal, and accessories, all designed to help you bring flavour to the fire.

 

Shop pizza ovens and roasting gear here!

Quick FAQs

Q: What’s the best wood to use?
A: We recommend red gum (To view this product, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries here). It’s dense, slow-burning, and gives off a clean, rich smoke. Just make sure it’s seasoned and dry damp wood will make your fire smoky for all the wrong reasons.

Q: How long does it take to roast lamb in a pizza oven?
A: A 1.3kg boneless leg of lamb usually takes around 1 hour at 200 to 220°C. Always use a thermometer to confirm.

Q: Can I cook other food at the same time?
A: Absolutely. Throw in a tray of vegetables, garlic bread, or even some baked apples. Just rotate everything occasionally and keep an eye on it.

Final Word

Once you’ve roasted lamb in a Flaming Coals wood fired pizza oven, you’ll never want to go back to the kitchen oven again. The smoky aroma, crispy crust, and tender centre are next-level. So grab your firewood, season your meat, and roast like you mean it.

Here’s to bold flavours, cold beers, and weekends made for real backyard cooking.