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Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

herb crusted rack of lamb - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for a juicy, tender rack of lamb with a crispy, flavorful herb crust made from fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds rack of lamb, frenched
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (optional, use panko for lighter texture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the rack of lamb dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or silver skin if needed. Season generously with salt and pepper all over.
  3. In a small bowl, combine chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, bread crumbs (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil to moisten the mixture.
  4. Use a basting brush to spread Dijon mustard evenly over the lamb’s fatty side. Press the herb mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated surface, covering it fully.
  5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the lamb crust-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other sides for about 1 minute each.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for about 15–20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature 130°F / 54°C), or longer if preferred. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
  7. Remove the lamb from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the rack between the ribs into individual chops and serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, skip the bread crumbs or use gluten-free panko. To get an even crispier crust, broil the lamb for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Resting the meat after roasting is key for juicy, tender lamb. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. A meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: rack of lamb, herb crusted lamb, easy lamb recipe, dinner ideas, rosemary lamb, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, crispy lamb crust