Description
This Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary is a flavorful and elegant main course perfect for special occasions like Easter or holiday dinners. The racks are seasoned and coated with a savory mixture of garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard, then topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb and Parmesan crust before roasting to a perfect medium-rare. The resulting lamb is tender, juicy, and fragrant, ideal for serving with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 racks of lamb (about 1.5 lbs each), frenched
Herb Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Crust
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the lamb to perfection.
- Prepare the lamb: Pat the racks of lamb dry with paper towels to ensure the herb mixture adheres well. Season all sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Make the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant paste.
- Coat the lamb: Rub the herb mixture evenly over the meat side of each rack to infuse flavor and help the crust adhere.
- Prepare the crust: In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Press this breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated side of the lamb racks to create a crunchy herb crust.
- Roast the lamb: Place the racks on a foil-lined baking sheet, bone side down. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest and serve: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into individual chops and serve warm.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the lamb with the herb mixture for a few hours before applying the breadcrumb crust and roasting.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing mint yogurt sauce for a well-rounded meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.