Crusted Rack of Lamb

Served as an impressive main, this deceivingly easy-to-prepare Crusted Rack of Lamb recipe is sure to delight every guest at your festive table! It can also be served as a hearty appetizer with your favourite mint sauce or jelly. Try pairing this recipe with Black Sage Shiraz.

Ingredients

Serves 5 to 8 (2 to 3 ribs each)
4 tsp (20 ml) salt, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) pepper, divided
2 racks of lamb (about 2 lbs/900 g each), excess fat trimmed
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1¼ cups (310 ml) panko bread crumbs
2 tsp (10 ml) onion powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2½ tbsp (37.5 ml) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest
⅓ cup (80 ml) Dijon mustard
mint sauce or mint jelly, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and 1 tsp (5 ml) pepper. Season all sides of lamb generously with this mixture. Set aside.
  3. In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil on high heat until it starts shimmering. Fry both racks, fat-side down first, 2 to 3 minutes, until well browned. Turn racks over and continue frying for another 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, carefully move racks to fry sides as well, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to rest on a plate.
  4. In a large skillet or frying pan, combine panko, onion powder, thyme, garlic, olive oil, 2 tsp (10 ml) salt and 1 tsp (5 ml) pepper. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until light golden. Transfer to a large, shallow dish big enough for a whole lamb rack. Mix in parsley and lemon zest.
  5. Brush lamb on all sides with mustard. Dip each rack into prepared panko mixture to coat all sides. Place on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until internal temperature of lamb reaches 130 to 135 F (54 to 57 C). Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Serve alongside your favourite mint sauce or mint jelly.
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