Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
In short: A seared, trimmed rack of lamb coated with Dijon mustard and a crisp garlic, parsley and rosemary crumb, roasted to a rosy medium in 20 minutes. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 550 kcal
A rack of lamb looks like a restaurant dish but is one of the easiest roasts to cook. It is small, quick and needs little more than a sear and a crumb coating. A brush of mustard helps a mixture of breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary and garlic stick, and the crust turns golden while the lamb stays pink. One rack of eight ribs serves two generously, or three with sides. Ask the butcher to trim the bones clean for a neat look.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the lamb dry and season it all over with the 3/4 tsp salt and the pepper.
- Heat the oil in an ovenproof skillet over high heat. Sear the rack for about 5 minutes in all, fat side down first and then briefly on the other sides, until browned. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, garlic, oil and the 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl until the crumbs look damp.
- Brush the fat side of the rack with the mustard and press the crumb mixture firmly onto it.
- Set the rack, crust side up, in the skillet. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, until a thermometer in the thickest part reads 57°C (135°F).
- Rest the rack on a board under loose foil for 10 minutes. It reaches about 63°C (145°F). Cut between the bones into chops and serve.
Tips
- Wrap the exposed bone ends in small pieces of foil to stop them from burning.
- Let the seared lamb cool for a few minutes before brushing on the mustard, or the crust will slide off.
Questions and answers
How many ribs per person for rack of lamb?
Allow 3 to 4 ribs per person as a main course. One 8-rib rack serves two generously.
How long should rack of lamb rest?
About 10 minutes under loose foil. Cutting it sooner lets the juices run out onto the board.
Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the crumbs a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Coat the lamb just before roasting.
How long does it take to make Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 38 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
