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Rack of Lamb Recipe

Rack of Lamb Recipe (Herb and Garlic Crusted)

Wholesome Cove
This herb and garlic crusted rack of lamb is the kind of dish that looks like it came straight from a fine dining restaurant but is surprisingly achievable at home. A bold paste of fresh rosemary, parsley, thyme, garlic, and Dijon mustard is pressed onto frenched racks of lamb, then roasted at high heat until the crust is golden and fragrant and the interior is a perfect, juicy medium-rare. With a quick stovetop sear for color, an optional butter baste with fresh rosemary, and just 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, this recipe delivers stunning results every time — whether you're making it for Easter, Christmas, a dinner party, or just a very special Friday night at home.
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Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant-read meat thermometer - Essential for checking internal temperature accurately
  • Cast iron skillet (12-inch) - Or any oven-safe heavy skillet; used for stovetop sear and optional oven transfer
  • Rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan - For transferring racks to the oven if skillet is too small
  • Small food processor or mini blender - For blending the garlic and herb paste
  • Wire cooling rack - (optional) Elevates lamb for even heat circulation in the oven
  • Aluminum foil - For wrapping bone tips and tenting during rest
  • Sharp chef's knife - For slicing cleanly between rib bones after resting
  • Large cutting board - For resting and carving the lamb
  • Pastry brush - For applying mustard and herb paste evenly
  • Small mixing bowl - For combining the optional breadcrumb crust
  • Medium mixing bowl - For combining herb paste ingredients if not using a food processor
  • Tongs - For turning and handling the rack during searing
  • Paper towels - For patting the lamb completely dry before seasoning

Ingredients
  

  • 2 frenched racks of lamb - approximately 1.5 lbs / 680g each, about 7-8 bones per rack
  • 1 tsp kosher salt - plus more for seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper - plus more for seasoning
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil - 30ml, divided
  • 8 cloves garlic - up to 10 cloves, peeled
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves - from about 3-4 sprigs
  • 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard - about 1 tablespoon per rack
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest - from 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter - for basting; optional but recommended
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary - for butter basting; optional

For the Optional Breadcrumb Crust

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 50g
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese - finely grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil - for mixing into breadcrumb crust

Instructions
 

  • Remove both racks from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before cooking and set them on a cutting board. Wrap small pieces of aluminum foil around the exposed rib bone tips to prevent scorching, then pat all surfaces completely dry with paper towels.
  • Add the peeled garlic cloves, rosemary leaves, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a small food processor and pulse 10 to 15 times until a coarse paste forms. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
  • Season both racks generously on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper, pressing it in with your hands. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the fat side of each rack, then press the garlic herb paste firmly on top in an even, thick layer.
  • If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon olive oil together in a small bowl. Press this mixture firmly over the herb paste on each rack to form an even outer layer.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with the rack in the upper-middle position. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 2 minutes, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then place the racks herb-side UP and sear the underside for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned.
  • Transfer the skillet (or move racks to a rimmed baking sheet) to the preheated oven, herb-side up, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Begin checking the internal temperature at 18 minutes, aiming for 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare — remove the lamb about 5°F below your target as it will continue rising.
  • Immediately after removing the lamb from the oven, add the unsalted butter and rosemary sprig to the hot skillet and let the butter melt. Tilt the pan and spoon the rosemary-infused butter over the meat repeatedly for about 1 minute.
  • Transfer the racks to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for a full 10 minutes before carving. Slice between each rib bone using a sharp chef's knife, arrange the chops on a warmed platter, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Always buy frenched racks of lamb for the classic presentation and easier carving. Most grocery stores carry them pre-frenched, or ask your butcher.
  • Pat the lamb completely dry with paper towels before seasoning — moisture prevents a proper sear and a crispy herb crust.
  • Let the lamb rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly from edge to center.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer every time. Pull the lamb at 120°F (49°C) for rare, 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare, or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
  • Always remove the lamb from the oven 5°F below your final target temperature, as the internal temperature continues to rise during the resting period.
  • Sear the lamb with the herb crust facing UP, never down — contact with the hot skillet will knock the paste off and burn the herbs.
  • Do not skip the 10-minute resting period after roasting. Slicing too soon causes the juices to run out, resulting in dry, less flavorful chops.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible. If substituting dried rosemary, use one-third the amount called for (about 2 teaspoons).
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a splash of broth, covered tightly with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • For a pistachio crust variation, blend 1/2 cup shelled pistachios and mix into the herb paste or breadcrumb crust for a nutty, vibrant finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 40gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 18mg
Keyword frenched rack of lamb, garlic rosemary lamb, herb crusted lamb, holiday lamb dinner, rack of lamb recipe
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