Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Lemon
Experience the exceptional flavors of this Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb, inspired by the culinary artistry of Ina Garten. This dish features tender, perfectly cooked lamb that's beautifully encrusted with a vibrant mix of fresh parsley, garlic, and zesty lemon breadcrumbs. It’s an easy, elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a delightful family dinner. The heavenly combination of herbs and citrus elevates the rich flavors of the lamb, making it a show-stopping centerpiece on your table. Serve with your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will cherish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rack of lamb
3 small or 2 large (frenched)
Olive oil
to taste (for rubbing)
Kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh parsley leaves
2 cups (loosely packed)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped (approximately 3 large cloves))
Fresh white breadcrumbs
1 cup (for crust)
Lemon zest
2 teaspoons (zest of 2 lemons)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted (about 1/2 stick))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a roasting pan, place the frenched racks of lamb, ensuring they are positioned fat side up.
3
Generously rub the top of the racks with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
4
Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to achieve a nice sear.
5
While the lamb is roasting, prepare the herb crust: In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the fresh parsley and chopped garlic. Process until both ingredients are finely minced.
6
Add the fresh white breadcrumbs and lemon zest to the mixture and pulse briefly until everything is well mixed.
7
Remove the lamb from the oven and immediately press the herb mixture onto the meat, creating an even layer on top.
8
Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the herb crust before returning the lamb to the oven.
9
Continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
10
Once done, remove the lamb from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
11
Slice the lamb into double chops and serve with your choice of sides. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 small or 2 large racks of lamb, specifically prepared as 'frenched'.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the lamb?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
How long is the initial roasting period before adding the crust?
The lamb is roasted initially for 10 minutes to achieve a nice sear before the herb crust is applied.
What ingredients make up the herb crust?
The crust consists of fresh parsley leaves, chopped garlic, fresh white breadcrumbs, and lemon zest.
How is the lamb positioned in the roasting pan?
The racks of lamb should be placed in the roasting pan with the fat side facing up.
What is the recommended resting time for the lamb?
Once removed from the oven, the lamb should rest loosely covered with foil for 15 minutes.
Why is it important to let the lamb rest?
Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
How much garlic is used in the herb mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, which is approximately 3 large cloves.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Fresh white breadcrumbs are recommended to create the perfect texture for the herb crust.
How much butter is added to the crust?
4 tablespoons (about half a stick) of melted unsalted butter is drizzled over the herb crust.
What is the total second roasting time after adding the crust?
The lamb is roasted for an additional 15 minutes or until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
What equipment is needed to prepare the herb mixture?
A food processor fitted with a steel blade is used to finely mince the parsley and garlic.
How is the lamb seasoned before the first roast?
The lamb is rubbed with olive oil and sprinkled with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, which is roughly the zest of 2 lemons.
How should the lamb be sliced for serving?
The lamb should be sliced into double chops for an elegant presentation.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
This dish is inspired by the culinary artistry of Ina Garten.
What is the measurement for the fresh parsley?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of loosely packed fresh parsley leaves.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an easy yet elegant dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter to better control the seasoning.
What does 'frenched' mean in relation to the rack of lamb?
Frenched means the fat and meat have been removed from the rib bones for a cleaner presentation.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh parsley leaves for the best flavor and a vibrant green crust.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this lamb recipe.
When do you add the breadcrumbs to the food processor?
Add the fresh white breadcrumbs and lemon zest after the parsley and garlic have been finely minced.
What should the final internal temperature be?
The recipe recommends roasting until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
Does this recipe use olive oil?
Yes, olive oil is used to rub the racks before the initial seasoning and roasting.
Is the herb crust applied before or after the first 10 minutes of roasting?
The crust is pressed onto the meat immediately after the lamb is removed from its initial 10-minute sear.
How much kosher salt is used?
1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt are used for seasoning the lamb.
What flavor profile can be expected from this dish?
It features a combination of rich lamb flavors elevated by savory herbs, garlic, and zesty citrus.
Should the foil be tight or loose during resting?
The lamb should be covered loosely with aluminum foil while resting.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as lamb, herb-crusted, garlic, lemon, elegant, and main course.