Herbed Rack of Lamb

Introduction

Herbed Rack of Lamb is a classic and elegant dish that combines tender, succulent lamb with a flavorful herb crust. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Herbed Rack of Lamb allows you to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and mustard perfectly complements the juicy and tender lamb meat, creating a truly delicious and memorable meal.

How to Make Herbed Rack of Lamb

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 ½ tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons black pepper (divided)
• 2 racks of lamb (1 ½ to 2lbs each, frenched*)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the center position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine butter, 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
3. Trim the fat on the lamb and season with salt and pepper.
4. Brown the racks of lamb in a skillet, then coat with mustard and the herb mixture.
5. Roast the lamb in the oven until cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Let the lamb rest before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Herbed Rack of Lamb

Serve the Herbed Rack of Lamb sliced between the bones on a platter. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.

How to Store Herbed Rack of Lamb

Store any leftover Herbed Rack of Lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Tips to Make Herbed Rack of Lamb

• Make sure to let the lamb rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
• Customize the herb mixture to your taste preferences by adding other herbs like mint or oregano.

Variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can substitute the Dijon mustard with a honey mustard glaze for a touch of sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs? Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.
2. How can I tell if the lamb is cooked to the right temperature? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb; 125°F is medium-rare.
3. Can I prepare the herb mixture in advance? Yes, you can make the herb mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.