Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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Tender, succulent, and flavorful, this roasted rack of lamb comes out reliably perfect every time.

The high-heat oven produces crispy fat and juicy meat, and the seasonings - olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme - are delicious.

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Lamb is my favorite meat, and this simple rack of lamb recipe beautifully highlights its rich, bold flavor. I enjoy all cuts of lamb, but the rack is especially delicious, with its tender meat and hot, crispy fat.

This recipe is the perfect entree for a holiday or entertaining because it's delicious, elegant, and easy to make. I love bringing the lamb to the table in all its glory and returning it to the kitchen to carve it.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Rack of Lamb Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Lamb Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Let's Connect

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Frenched Rack of lamb: I get it at Whole Foods. "Frenched" means that the excess meat, fat, and cartilage were removed from the bones to expose them and make the rack appear neater and more elegant.
  • Olive oil spray: By far my favorite oil to cook with, and it goes well with lamb. Extra-virgin olive oil should be OK to use even at high temperatures, but you can use avocado oil if you wish.
  • To season: In addition to salt and pepper, I use garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. I prefer garlic powder to fresh minced garlic in this recipe because it better coats the meat.

Variations

  • Instead of spraying the lamb with olive oil, you can brush it with melted butter or ghee. Both options are delicious!
  • You can vary the spices you use. Good options I tried and liked include onion powder, ground cumin, and paprika. You can add a teaspoon of each additional spice.

Rack of Lamb Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

An hour before you start cooking, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with olive oil spray.Place the rack on the prepared baking sheet, fat side up. Score the fat by making small shallow slits in the fat.

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Liberally spray both sides of the lamb with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme. Allow the lamb to come to room temperature.

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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until an instant-read thermometer reads 135°F (medium-rare).

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Transfer the lamb to a cutting board. Cover it with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

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Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the rack into individual ribs by slicing between the bones.Serve immediately.

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Expert Tip

As with most cuts of meat, including ribeye roast, tenderloin roast, and tri-tip roast, it's important to let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes after you remove it from the oven.

This rest time allows the juices to settle and redistribute and prevents them from gushing out as soon as you cut into the meat.

Recipe FAQs

How do you carve a rack of lamb?

Turn the rack upside down, locate where the bones are, and carefully cut between them using a sharp chef's knife. As long as your knife is freshly sharpened, this should be easy to do.

What is meant by "Frenched?"

This term simply means that the rack is cut so that the rib bones are exposed. The butcher cuts off the fat and meat that cover the bones to achieve this.

Should you sear the lamb before roasting it?

There's no need to do that. While searing would nicely brown the meat, especially the fat, the same result is achieved when cooking the lamb in a hot oven. The fat comes out wonderfully browned and crispy.

What temperature should lamb be cooked to?

According to the USDA, it should be cooked to medium - an internal temperature of 145ºF with a 3-minute rest period. I prefer it medium-rare, but that's a personal choice.

Serving Suggestions

Anything goes with this recipe. It's a truly versatile entree. But since I roast the lamb in a425°F oven, I like to serve it with side dishes that I can cook in the same oven. So I often serve it with any of the following sides:

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Eggplant Parmesan
  • Cauliflower casserole
  • Roasted fennel
  • Roasted radishes
  • Roasted cherry tomatoes
  • Roasted cauliflower
  • Roasted broccolini

Storing Leftovers

The leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To avoid drying out, they should be reheated gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power.

Because the leftovers keep so well, I often double the recipe and make two of them - one for serving right away and the other for tasty lunches during the week.

You can also freeze the leftovers in freezer bags for up to three months.

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More Lamb Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
  • Pan-Fried Lamb Chops
  • Lamb Steak
  • Lamb Meatballs

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Recipe Card

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (14)

4.98 from 274 votes

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Roasted Rack of Lamb

Tender, succulent and flavorful, this roasted rack of lamb comes out reliably perfect every time.

Prep Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Rest time10 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 538kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 rack of lamb Frenched (cut so that the rib bones are exposed), 1 ½ pound, 8 ribs
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  • An hour before you start roasting the lamb, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with olive oil spray.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (15)

  • Place the lamb on the prepared baking sheet, fat side up. Score the fat by making small shallow slits 1 inch apart.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (16)

  • Liberally spray both sides of the lamb with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme. Allow the lamb to rest on the counter for about an hour and come to room temperature.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (17)

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (18)

  • Roast the lamb in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching the bone) reads 135°F (medium-rare), about 25 minutes.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)

  • Remove the lamb from the oven. Transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)

  • To cut the rack into individual ribs, turn it upside down, locate where the bones are, and carefully cut between them using a sharp chef's knife.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)

  • Serve immediately.

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (22)

Video

Notes

  • The USDA says we should cook roasts to an internal temperature of 145ºF with a three-minute rest time.
  • The nutrition info is from the USDA database.
  • A small, 1-pound rack (like the one shown in the process shots and video) will need about 20 minutes in the oven to reach medium-rare doneness.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying them out.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 538kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Sodium: 538mg

Made this Recipe?

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (33) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Review this Recipe or Ask a Question:

  1. Melanie

    Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (34)
    Best recipe we’ve ever found for roasted lamb!!! Even better as leftovers from fridge OR freezer! Just refresh the seasonings a bit before reheating - Superb and Many Thank-Yous for such an easy recipe (even I can’t screw it up)!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Yay! I'm so glad this was a success, Melanie! Thank you for taking the time to write a comment and for the tip about reheating this dish.

      Reply

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is lamb rack fatty? ›

When trimmed of exterior fat, the lamb rack is the most tender and lean meat, needing only a brief oven roast to achieve a tasty medium-rare result. Traditional rack of lamb has an exterior fat cover, whilst the modern version of the cut has the fat cover removed.

Can you overcook a lamb rack? ›

This part of the lamb is typically served pink--rare (internal temperature of 125 degrees F) or medium-rare (internal temperature 135 degrees F). To avoid overcooking lamb rack, roast to 5 degrees below the final temperature you want.

Should I sear my rack of lamb? ›

This rack of lamb has the best flavor. The edges are seared and give a nice depth to the taste. The seasonings (mustard, rosemary and salt) add a brightness to the lamb and cooked in such a way that when it's done it is still juicy and tender.

What to serve with a rack of lamb? ›

Keep the menu feeling classic with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus, or take things in an entirely different direction with minty snap pea salad and miso butter glazed carrots. Or include both classic and less traditional recipes for serving with your lamb.

Is rack of lamb unhealthy? ›

When consumed in moderation, it is a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet. Like other red meats, lamb can increase your chances of developing certain chronic illnesses. Experts recommend eating red meat in moderation. This allows you to enjoy its benefits and avoid any potential negative impacts on your health.

Is lamb rack healthy? ›

Not only is it a rich source of high-quality protein, but it is also an outstanding source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Because of this, regular consumption of lamb may promote muscle growth, maintenance, and performance. In addition, it helps prevent anemia.

Should I trim all the fat off a rack of lamb? ›

When you buy a rack of lamb it usually comes with a thick layer of fat on top. Whilst this is okay to cook, it will take a while to render down, so it's best to trim it off. You can ask your butcher to do this or you can do it yourself.

Is it best to sear lamb before roasting? ›

For the perfect roast lamb, we recommend seasoning the surface of the meat, and then searing it, especially fat side down in a pan before roasting. Why bother with searing? Contrary to some stories, searing is less about locking in moisture, and all about improving the flavour!

Is lamb better cooked slow or fast? ›

Steaks from the rump end are more tender and suited for fast cooking options, while middle cuts are better suited for slow, moist cooking methods. Both, when cooked correctly, will result in rich flavoursome and tender lamb.

Should you flip the rack of lamb? ›

Cook the lamb.

Arrange the lamb with the ribs pointing down. Cook for 15 minutes at 450ºF, then flip over and cook for another 10 minutes until the lamb has an internal temperature of 130ºF.

Do you cook rack of lamb fat side up or down? ›

Arrange the oven rack, so the lamb will be in the middle of the oven. Score the fat, sprinkle with salt and pepper, wrap bones in foil, place in pan fat side up: Score the fat, by making sharp shallow cuts through the fat, spaced about an inch apart.

Is it better to sear before or after roasting? ›

It's not really necessary to sear your roast before cooking, but caramelizing the surface gives the cut an incredible depth of flavor, enhanced with the complex layers of nutty caramel and coffee-like bitterness that meat-lovers find delicious.

What seasoning goes with lamb? ›

Fresh rosemary, fresh garlic, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt are simple but amazing flavors that pair amazingly with the lamb! Each of these ingredients adds its unique warmth and depth to enhance the flavor of the dish.

What herbs go good with rack of lamb? ›

Which herbs go with lamb (and how to grow them)
  • Rosemary and lamb. With its woody flavour, rosemary is the perfect companion for your favourite lamb dish. ...
  • Mint and lamb. Taking its roots from Middle Eastern dishes, mint is often used when cooking more complex lamb dishes. ...
  • Oregano and lamb. ...
  • Thyme and lamb.

What is a good vegetable to eat with lamb? ›

A quartet of spring veggies – broad beans, asparagus, baby courgettes and peas – are tossed with lemon, butter and almonds for a luxurious addition to roast lamb.

Is lamb meat lean or fatty? ›

This is because lamb is a relatively lean and nutrition-packed meat. A three-ounce cut of cooked lamb delivers about 25 grams of protein, plus good quantities of potassium and vitamin B-12. It's also a good source of iron, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Is lamb more fatty than steak? ›

Lamb typically has more saturated fat — which can raise your levels of bad cholesterol, putting you at higher risk of cardiovascular disease — than beef or pork. T-bones, rib-eye and New York strip steak tend to be fattier forms of beef when compared to ground rounds, sirloin or flank steak.

What is the fattest part of a lamb? ›

Lamb Breast

From the bottom of the lamb, the belly, comes the breast cut. It has a lot of fat and therefore a lot of chew, so lamb breast needs slow, long cooking to break down the toughness. Usually presented as a rolled joint, perfect for roasting. Cook: braise, stew, roast.

Is lamb as fatty as beef? ›

Nutrition: Lamb is a nutrient-dense meat that is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. It is also lower in fat than beef and has fewer calories. Versatility: Lamb is a versatile meat that works well in a variety of dishes, from meatballs and burgers to shepherd's pie and curry.

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