Romantic Rack of Lamb Herb Crust (Printable version)
Succulent lamb rack with fragrant herb crust, oven-roasted to perfection. An elegant choice for romantic dinners or special events.
# Ingredient List:
→ Lamb
01 - 1 (8-bone) rack of lamb, frenched (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Herb Crust
04 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
11 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ For Serving
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat the rack of lamb thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the lamb in the skillet, fat side down first, and sear until beautifully browned on all sides, approximately 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared lamb to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the meat side is facing up.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until a thick, uniform paste forms.
05 - Evenly brush the prepared herb mixture over the top and sides of the seared lamb, gently pressing to ensure it adheres well to the surface.
06 - Place the baking sheet with the crusted lamb in the preheated oven. Roast for 18–22 minutes for a medium-rare doneness (target internal temperature: 130°F), or adjust cooking time as desired for your preferred level of doneness.
07 - Once roasted, remove the lamb from the oven. Loosely tent it with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes. This is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
08 - Carve the rested rack of lamb between the bones into individual chops. If desired, dot each chop with a small amount of unsalted butter just before serving to add richness.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This dish looks incredibly impressive, but it's far simpler to prepare than you might imagine.
- The herb crust brings such a vibrant, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich lamb without overpowering it.
02 -
- Don't skip the resting step; it's truly the secret to juicy, tender lamb every single time.
- Fresh herbs make an enormous difference in this recipe, so splurge on them if you can—the aroma and flavor are unparalleled.
03 -
- If you're worried about overcooking, use a meat thermometer; it's the only way to guarantee your preferred doneness.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider rubbing the lamb with a little olive oil and garlic powder a few hours before cooking.