Herb-Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb with Citrus Glaze

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Herb-Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb with Citrus Glaze is a culinary delight that combines the earthy aroma of fresh herbs with a zesty citrus glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or simply when you're in the mood to treat yourself, this dish is both elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavors from a mix of herbs and a tangy citrus glaze.
  • Impressively quick to prepare, despite its gourmet appeal.
  • A perfect balance of juicy, tender meat and crispy crust.
  • Adaptable for different dietary preferences with minor tweaks.

Ingredients

2 racks of lamb (about 1.5 lbs each)
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 orange, juiced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp honey

Ingredients Explained

Racks of lamb are the star of this dish, offering tender and flavorful meat. The fresh breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture, while Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth. Garlic, parsley, and mint come together to create a fragrant herb crust. Olive oil helps to bind the crust to the meat and adds a touch of richness. Salt and black pepper season the lamb, enhancing its natural flavors. The orange and lemon juices, combined with honey, make a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the savory notes of the crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
  • If you're short on fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use half the amount.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness: 145°F for medium-rare.

Detailed Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it's heating up, you'll want to get your breadcrumb mixture ready. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, mint, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Next, rub each rack of lamb with olive oil. Be generous, as this will help the mustard and breadcrumbs stick. Afterward, coat them with Dijon mustard. It might feel a bit sticky, but that's exactly what you want—this is going to help the crust adhere well.

With the mustard on, press the breadcrumb mixture onto the lamb racks. Make sure you cover all sides evenly, so every bite is packed with flavor. Place the lamb on a baking tray and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes.

While the lamb roasts, take this time to make the citrus glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, and let it reduce by half. This should take about the same amount of time as the initial roasting phase.

After 25 minutes, take the lamb out of the oven and brush it generously with the citrus glaze. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once done, let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to lock in the juices and makes for a more tender bite.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the lamb racks with olive oil, then coat with Dijon mustard.
4. Press breadcrumb mixture onto the lamb racks, ensuring even coverage.
5. Place lamb on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
6. While the lamb is roasting, combine orange juice, lemon juice, and honey in a small saucepan and simmer until reduced by half.
7. After 25 minutes, remove lamb from the oven and brush with the citrus glaze.
8. Return lamb to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until desired doneness.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This lamb pairs beautifully with a side of roasted root vegetables or a simple arugula salad. For a starch, consider serving with creamy mashed potatoes or a herbed couscous to soak up the flavors of the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the herb crust in advance?
Yes, you can mix the herbs and breadcrumbs a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
What if I don't have Dijon mustard?
Whole grain mustard or a spicy brown mustard can be a good substitute.

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