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Perfect Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe with Easy Mint Chimichurri Sauce

herb crusted rack of lamb - featured image

A flavorful and elegant rack of lamb with a crisp herb crust paired with a fresh, zesty mint chimichurri sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a fancy yet manageable weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 rack of lamb, about 8 ribs (1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams), trimmed and frenched if possible
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50g) fresh breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the Mint Chimichurri:
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the mixture is crumbly but sticks together slightly.
  3. Pat the rack dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper all over.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rack fat side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Brush the seared rack lightly with olive oil. Press the herb and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the fat side of the rack, making sure it sticks well.
  6. Transfer the skillet (or pan) to the oven. Roast for about 15-20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F / 54°C), or longer if you prefer it more done. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. While the lamb rests, pulse mint, parsley, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until you get a vibrant, sauce-like consistency. Taste and tweak seasoning if needed.
  9. Cut the rack into individual chops between the ribs. Arrange on a platter and spoon the mint chimichurri generously over the top or serve on the side.

Notes

If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil midway through roasting. Resting the lamb after roasting is essential for juicy, tender meat. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. The chimichurri is best fresh but can be refrigerated up to 5 days. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect medium-rare doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: rack of lamb, herb crust, mint chimichurri, easy lamb recipe, special occasion dinner, roasted lamb, fresh herbs, gluten-free lamb recipe