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Perfect Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe with Easy Mint Gremolata

herb-crusted rack of lamb - featured image

A flavorful and elegant herb-crusted rack of lamb paired with a fresh mint gremolata, perfect for impressing guests with minimal stress and under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs, 1.5 to 2 pounds / 680-900g), frenched
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Take the rack of lamb out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Season lamb generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb fat side down for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 1-2 minutes.
  4. While lamb sears, combine rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and panko breadcrumbs in a bowl.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Brush lamb evenly with Dijon mustard, then press herb breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated side to form a crust.
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes for medium-rare (130–135°F internal temperature).
  7. Remove lamb from oven and transfer to cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
  8. While lamb rests, combine mint, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the mint gremolata.
  9. Slice rack into individual chops by cutting between ribs. Serve with a generous spoonful of mint gremolata on top or on the side.

Notes

If crust isn’t crispy enough after roasting, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Rest lamb for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Gremolata is best made fresh. Gluten-free option: substitute panko with gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For stovetop cooking, after searing, cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Nutrition

Keywords: rack of lamb, herb crust, mint gremolata, easy lamb recipe, dinner party, quick lamb recipe, rosemary lamb, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, panko breadcrumbs