Description
Rack of lamb sounds like a special-occasion project, but it is actually one of the simplest roasts you can make. A quick sear, a smear of Dijon, a press of herbed breadcrumbs, and 20 minutes in a hot oven. The lamb does the heavy lifting — you just need to not overcook it. Medium-rare is not a suggestion here, it is the only way to serve it.
Ingredients
Units
- 2 racks of lamb (about 1 1/2 lbs each), frenched
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Season the racks of lamb generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Sear the lamb racks for 2 minutes per side until browned all over. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Mix the panko, rosemary, parsley, mint, garlic, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Brush the meaty side of each rack with Dijon mustard. Press the herb-breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated surface.
- Place the racks crust-side up in the skillet or on a baking sheet. Roast 18 to 22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest 10 minutes. The temperature will rise to about 135°F.
- Slice between the bones into individual chops and serve.
Notes
- Ask your butcher to french the racks — it means cleaning the bones for a cleaner presentation and is tedious to do at home.
- 130°F internal temperature before resting produces a perfect medium-rare after the carryover cooking during rest.
- The Dijon mustard serves double duty — it adds flavor and acts as the glue that holds the herb crust to the meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 690
- Fat: 32
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 130