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Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

herb-crusted rack of lamb - featured image

A quick and easy herb-crusted rack of lamb recipe perfect for special occasions, featuring a flavorful crust of fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and Dijon mustard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds frenched rack of lamb
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (preferably panko; almond meal for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the rack of lamb if necessary, removing excess fat or silver skin. Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Stir until evenly coated and slightly sticky.
  4. Using a basting brush, spread Dijon mustard over the meat side of the rack. Press the herb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated side, ensuring an even layer.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the lamb crust-side down and sear for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Flip and sear the other side for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature 130°F/54°C), or longer if preferred more done.
  7. Remove the rack from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the rack between the ribs into individual chops. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Notes

If crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during roasting. Resting the lamb after cooking is crucial for juicy meat. Use fresh herbs for best flavor; reduce dried herbs to one-third the amount. Breadcrumbs can be swapped with almond meal for gluten-free or crushed nuts for dairy-free. Meat thermometer recommended for perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: rack of lamb, herb crust, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, easy lamb recipe, special occasion, roast lamb