Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Blue plate with Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb, sliced, with Fresh Mint Sauce on the side

Frenched Lamb Rack Recipe with Mint Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This easy, elegant Mustard Crusted Roasted Rack of Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce is a dish that is sure to impress without requiring too much effort in the kitchen. The earthy, tangy mustard crust perfectly complements the tender and juicy lamb chops, while the fresh mint sauce (no jelly!) adds a bright and refreshing finish to the dish. Unlike some high-temperature roasting methods, my recipe opts for a slower roast, making it easy to achieve evenly cooked lamb chops with a crispy, flavorful crust.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb

  • 1 rack of lamb, frenched and fat removed (around 1 3/4 pounds) – see Note
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Fresh Mint Sauce

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves (1 2/3-ounce package is the perfect amount)
  • 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Season lamb with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large heavy skillet (I like to use cast iron) over medium-high, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the olive oil. When hot (see Tip below), brown the rack of lamb on all sides – around 1 to 2 minutes per side in an iron skillet; a minute or two longer in a regular skillet. Set aside to cool, fat side up.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mustard, garlic, cumin, coriander, rosemary, paprika and remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil. Brush top and sides of lamb with the mustard mixture.
  5. Place on a rack in a rimmed cookie sheet or roasting pan. Roast until lamb reaches desired internal temperature – 135 for medium rare, 145 for medium.
  6. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Fresh Mint Sauce

  1. In a small mixing bowl, stir together chopped mint, vinegar, boiling water, sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Cover and let stand in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make ahead: Mint sauce can be made up to two days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Mustard mixture can be prepared earlier in the day, covered and refrigerated. Bring both to room temperature before using.

Reheating cooked rack of lamb: Wrap in foil and place in a 325 degree oven. Cook for 10 minutes to maintain same level of doneness; 15 minutes for next level (e.g., if lamb was originally cooked medium-rare, then 15 minutes of reheating will deliver medium doneness). Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Note on rack of lamb: Make sure the rack has been trimmed – a.k.a. “frenched” – which is removing all the meat, fat and membrane from the individual bones that stick out of the meaty part. The fat on the top of the meaty part should be cut down to only around 1/8-inch thick. Lastly, the chine bone should be removed from the bottom.

Tip on testing hot oil: Place the handle of a wooden spoon (or other wooden cooking utensil) into the oil, touching the bottom of the pan. If bubbles steadily arise around the handle, the oil is hot enough!

  • Author: Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: lamb, meat, gluten free, main dish, easy entertaining
  • Method: Roast
  • Cuisine: American