An elegant herb roasted rack of lamb is a perfect meal for a date night at home or for a holiday celebration.
This expensive cut of lamb is more flavorful than other types of meat which makes it a great option if you find yourself making the same roasted turkey or prime rib for holidays and you’re looking for something new to make.
Is Rack of Lamb the Same as Lamb Chops?
An oven roasted rack of lamb isn’t the same as other lamb chop recipes.
The most significant difference is that although they are the same cut of meat, lamb chops are cut into individual ribs while the rack of lamb has them all intact.
A rack of lamb is easier to achieve the perfect medium rare since it is a larger cut of meat.
Whereas lamb chops are better if you are looking for more of a char on each chop.
Lamb chops are also very versatile in how they can be cooked, whereas a slow roasted rack of lamb is typically baked in the oven to achieve that tender and juicy texture.
What Herbs Go with Lamb?
Whether youre making our Italian Lamb Shank Recipe, or wondering How to Cook Lamb Breat, to enhance the taste of rack of lamb recipes, adding herbs like fresh rosemary and fresh thyme is key.
They provide a subtle flavor without overpowering the other natural flavors of the meat.
When it comes to adding herbs to any recipe for lamb chops, fresh herbs are also delicious. Many people will also use dried spices like lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, or other favorites.
Do You Leave the Fat on a Rack of Lamb?
It’s all about that balance. You want to take off excess fat on your rack of lamb while still leaving a layer of fat.
The fat is essential to help keep the lamb moist and juicy, but too much can make it greasy.
How Many Ribs are on a Rack of Lamb?
Typically there will be eight ribs on a rack of lamb. You may be able to find variations to this, but this is the most common number of ribs included per order.
If you’re having a dinner party of four people, one rack of lamb will suffice.
However, you may want to consider roasting another rack of lamb if you are hosting more people.
What Temperature Should Rack of Lamb be Cooked to?
To get a perfectly cooked rack of lamb that is medium rare, the internal temperature should be 135 degrees.
The most accurate way to test the doneness of lamb (whether it be a rack of lamb or any lamb chops recipe) is to use a meat thermometer.
We like to remove our rack of lamb from the oven at 130 degrees Fahrenheit, since it will increase a few more degrees when it rests.
This ensures you reach a perfect 135 degree medium rare doneness.
What Sides to Eat with Lamb Chops?
Side dishes are always a good idea! The good news is that lamb is versatile in flavor, meaning it’s versatile in sides to pair with it.
Some great side dish options include:
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Pan Seared Carrots
Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe
Prep time: 5 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Additional time: 10 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 rack of lamb, at room temperature
- 3 tbsp grape seed oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary leaves, de-stemmed and finely chopped (about 3 sprigs)
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves, de-stemmed and finely chopped (about 6 sprigs)
- 1/4 cup beef stock
- 2 Tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 450 F. Pat the lamb dry with paper towel and season well with salt and pepper
- Coat the lamb with 2 tbsp of a high smoke point oil, such as grape seed oil, and cover with the minced herbs.
- Heat another tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat, then add the lamb, fat-side down. Leave the meat to cook for 2-3 mins until seared.
- Sear the ends for a minute, then transfer to a grill rack set over a baking dish or tray (to catch the excess fat and juices).
- Roast the lamb until the meat reaches 130 F internal temp for about 15 to 20 mins (for medium rare), then transfer to a chopping board, wrap in foil and set aside to rest for 10 mins.
- Meanwhile, pour the lamb renderings from the bottom of a roasting pan and add 2 tbsp butter and ¼ cup of beef stock.
- Whisk to heat over a medium heat. Simmer for 3-5 mins to reduce, or until the sauce can coat a spoon.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm over a very low heat if necessary.
- Carve the lamb into chops and serve with the sauce.
Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe
This elegant herb roasted rack of lamb with homemade pan sauce is made in just over 30 minutes, but is perfect for a romantic date or holiday.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb, at room temperature
- 3 tbsp grape seed oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary leaves, de-stemmed and finely chopped (about 3 sprigs)
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves, de-stemmed and finely chopped (about 6 sprigs)
- 1/4 cup beef stock
- 2 Tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F. Pat the lamb dry with paper towel and season well with salt and pepper
- Coat the lamb with 2 tbsp of a high smoke point oil, such as grape seed oil, and cover with the minced herbs.
- Heat another tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat, then add the lamb, fat-side down. Leave the meat to cook for 2-3 mins until seared.
- Sear the ends for a minute, then transfer to a grill rack set over a baking dish or tray (to catch the excess fat and juices).
- Roast the lamb until the meat reaches 130 F internal temp for about 15 to 20 mins (for medium rare), then transfer to a chopping board, wrap in foil and set aside to rest for 10 mins.
- Meanwhile, pour the lamb renderings from the bottom of a roasting pan and add 2 tbsp butter and ¼ cup of beef stock.
- Whisk to heat over a medium heat. Simmer for 3-5 mins to reduce, or until the sauce can coat a spoon.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm over a very low heat if necessary.
- Carve the lamb into chops and serve with the sauce.
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Lamb lover? Check out these lamb recipes:
- Italian Lamb Shanks with Parmesan Polenta
- Moroccan Lamb Kofta Eggs Benedict
- Greek Flatbread Pizza with Lamb Meatballs
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