free counter with statistics Print

Roasted Rack of Lamb (An Elegant & Easy Recipe!)

A beautiful plate of a homemade, thick, and juicy Roasted Rack of Lamb, being served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus at a Christmas dinner.

A classic and elegant recipe for a perfectly Roasted Rack of Lamb, a showstopper main course for a holiday meal or special occasion. The frenched racks of lamb are dry-brined overnight in a simple but fragrant rub of lemon zest, fresh rosemary, salt, and a pinch of sugar. The lamb is then pan-seared to create a golden-brown crust before being slow-roasted in the oven until perfectly medium-rare, tender, and juicy.

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-bone) racks of lamb, chine bone removed, frenched
  • Grated zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lamb (Day Before): In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, chopped rosemary, salt, and sugar.
  2. Pat the racks of lamb dry. Season the racks on all sides with this mixture. Cover and place them in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. Cook the Lamb: One hour before cooking, remove the lamb from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  4. Heat the canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Place one of the seasoned racks in the pan, fat-side down, and sear for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the rack and sear the other side for a few minutes.
  5. Transfer the seared rack to a rimmed baking sheet, fat-side up. Repeat the searing process with the second rack.
  6. Place the baking sheet with both racks in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 120°F to 125°F for medium-rare.
  7. Let the lamb rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into chops and serving.

Notes

  • This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for a special holiday dinner like Christmas.
  • Seasoning the lamb and letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight is a crucial step that acts as a dry brine, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final roast.
  • Searing the lamb before roasting is a key technique that creates a delicious, caramelized crust.
  • Resting the roast after cooking is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender when sliced.