
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
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C) and adjust oven rack to centre position. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.