Grilled Rack of Lamb with Garlic & Herb Butter (with VIDEO)
This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for every purchase made through these links, this doesn’t change your price in any way. Thank you for supporting my work.
This Grilled Rack of Lamb recipe delivers a flavorful, elegant dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or a simple, memorable dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting, this tender, flavorful cut of lamb is sure to impress. These lamb lollipops are hearty, savory and flavorful. Perfect for picking up and enjoying straight off the bone. You can think of lamb lollipop chop as the lamb equivalent of a bone in ribeye. It even tastes similar to steak.
Here’s a delicious yet simple recipe for grilled rack of lamb, along with some perfect side dishes to complement this dish. The simple seasoning blend allows the natural taste of the lamb to shine through, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance its savory qualities.
VIDEO:
Perfect Dish For Easter:
This Grilled Rack of Lamb recipe is perfect for Easter because it combines elegance, simplicity, and vibrant flavors that are ideal for a celebratory spring meal. The tender, flavorful lamb is a traditional Easter favorite for good reason, offering a succulent and festive centerpiece for your dinner table. The bright touch of fresh lemon juice not only enhances the natural richness of the lamb but also evokes the freshness of the season, making it a fitting choice for a spring holiday. Paired with light, colorful sides like roasted carrots or a refreshing spring mix salad, this dish reflects the spirit of renewal and abundance that Easter celebrates, making it an impressive yet easy-to-prepare option for family gatherings or special meals.
Ingredients:
- • 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs, trimmed and cut into individual chops)
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for spraying)
- • 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt (to taste)
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- • 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- • Fresh lemon juice (for drizzling)
Instructions:
Prepare the Rack of Lamb
• First thing, begin by trimming any excess fat and remove the silver skin from the back bones. (Best way to do this is to use a paper towel to get a good grip)
• Once the lamb is cleaned, cut it into individual portions. Be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid ripping the meaty side. This will make grilling easier and more efficient.
Season the Lamb
• Lightly spray each lamb chop with olive oil. (This oil sprayer is so handy)This will help the seasoning stick and promote a crispy, golden-brown crust when grilled.
• Sprinkle the lamb with salt, pepper, and onion salt, on both sides ensuring each portion is evenly coated with seasoning. The onion salt adds a savory depth to the natural flavor of the lamb.
Preheat the Grill
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 450°F or 230°C). If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to an even heat. You want a steady, direct heat for searing the lamb for best results.
Grill the Lamb
• Place the seasoned rack of lamb onto the grill. Sear each side for about 3-5 minutes to create a crispy, flavorful crust and develop a nice brown color.
• Continue grilling the lamb until the lamb reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 125°F (52°C) on instant-read thermometer before resting. If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Rest the Lamb
• Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.
Add the Finishing Touches:
• After resting, drizzle the cooked lamb with fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the meat.
Elevate grilled lamb rack even more? Drizzle with a decadent garlic and herb butter that gives incredible flavor and enhances the natural richness of the lamb.
Garlic and Herb Butter:
- 4 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4tsp Paprika
- Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper (optional)
- Little bit of Lemon zest (optional)
In a small bowl melt butter in a microwave, add fresh garlic, fresh parsley, paprika, lemon zest and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine and spoon over the grilled lamb chops right before serving.
Serve
Serve the grilled rack of lamb immediately alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Success:
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking lamb will cause it to become dry and tough. Keep a close eye as cooking time varies from grill to grill or use a digital meat thermometer for accurate reading and get the perfect temperature.
• Resting the Meat: Let the lamb rest before serving. This ensures it remains juicy and flavorful.
• Grilling Temperature: If using a gas grill, keep the temperature steady. For charcoal, avoid direct flames to prevent burning the lamb.
Perfect Side Dishes for Grilled Rack of Lamb
Grilled rack of lamb pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few that will complement the flavors of the lamb and round out your meal:
1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes is a comforting side that goes hand in hand with lamb. The smoothness of the potatoes contrasts wonderfully with the crispness of the lamb’s crust.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are an ideal accompaniment. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory lamb, and their caramelized edges add texture and depth to the dish.
3. Grilled Asparagus: (My favorite) Grilled asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon is a light, vibrant side that pairs perfectly with the smoky, grilled flavors of the lamb. The asparagus adds a touch of green to the plate and a slight crunch that complements the lamb’s tenderness.
5. Couscous or Rice Pilaf: For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve your grilled rack of lamb with a side of couscous or a fragrant rice pilaf. The light, fluffy texture of the couscous or pilaf helps balance the rich flavors of the lamb, while the spices in the pilaf complement the seasoning of the meat.
6. Sautéed Spinach: A simple sautéed spinach with garlic, pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon offers a light, nutritious side that doesn’t overpower the lamb. The slight bitterness of the spinach pairs beautifully with the richness of the meat.
This rack of lamb recipe blends elegance with simplicity and is the kind of main course that makes a statement on the plate and disappears quickly. You just can’t go wrong with it. Happy grilling!
Grilled Rack of Lamb with Garlic & Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb about 8 ribs, trimmed and cut into individual chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for spraying
- 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- Fresh lemon juice for drizzling
Garlic & Herb Butter
- 4 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper optional
- Little bit of Lemon zest optional
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rack of Lamb
Trim any excess fat and remove the silver skin from the back bones. (Best way to do this is to use a paper towel to get a good grip)
-
Once the lamb is cleaned, cut it into individual portions. Be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid ripping the meaty side. This will make grilling easier and more efficient.
-
Lightly spray each lamb chop with olive oil. (This oil sprayer is so handy)This will help the seasoning stick and promote a crispy, golden-brown crust when grilled.
• Sprinkle the lamb with salt, pepper, and onion salt, on both sides ensuring each portion is evenly coated with seasoning. The onion salt adds a savory depth to the natural flavor of the lamb.
-
Preheat the Grill
• Place the seasoned rack of lamb onto the grill. Sear each side for about 3-5 minutes to create a crispy, flavorful crust and develop a nice brown color.
• Continue grilling the lamb until the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
• Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and drizzle fresh lemon juice let it rest for about 5 minutes.
-
Serve or finish with Garlic & Herb Butter
Never ate lamb before until I was convinced to try this recipe. Now lamb is on repeat for our dinners
This literally changed my whole taste buds on lamb. I would never eat lamb because it was so gamey to me and after trying this recipe, I love lamb and so does my husband! Thank you for sharing! We love it.