Description
This Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb is a succulent and flavorful dish featuring a tender lamb rack coated with Dijon mustard and a fragrant herb and breadcrumb crust, then oven-roasted to a perfect medium-rare. Ideal for special occasions or an elevated weeknight dinner, this recipe combines searing and roasting techniques to develop a crispy, aromatic crust while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 rack of lamb (8 ribs, about 1.5-2 lbs or 680-900g)
Herb Crust
- 1/4 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the lamb.
- Trim and French Lamb: Trim excess fat from the lamb rack and french the bones if not already done, enhancing presentation and cooking.
- Season Lamb: Pat the lamb dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the flavorful herb crust.
- Sear Lamb: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb rack for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from heat and let the lamb cool slightly to ensure the herb crust adheres properly.
- Apply Mustard: Brush the meaty part of the lamb rack with Dijon mustard, which will act as a binding agent for the herb crust and add tangy flavor.
- Press Herb Crust: Firmly press the breadcrumb and herb mixture onto the mustard-coated areas to form the crust.
- Roast Lamb: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, or move the lamb to a roasting pan if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or until an internal thermometer reads 135°F (57°C).
- Rest Meat: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for juicy, tender meat.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the rack between the rib bones and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Frenching the bones is optional but improves the presentation.
- Letting the meat rest before carving is crucial for juicy lamb.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure desired doneness, as cooking times may vary.
- The herb crust can be varied with other fresh herbs like oregano or basil if desired.
- If oven-safe skillet is unavailable, transfer lamb to a roasting pan before oven roasting.