• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary logo

  • > Start Here
  • The Recipes
    • Browse all categories
    • Asian
    • Dinner
    • Pasta
    • Roast Dinner
    • Curries
    • Sides
    • Soups
    • Big Batch
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • Skinny Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Lunch
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cakes & Treats
    • BBQ
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Sauces and Dips
  • My New Book
  • Blogger Resources
    • Living The Blog
    • How to start a food blog
    • Income Reports
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Sign-Up
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • > Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Never miss a recipe!
  • 20 Minute Meals
  • Appetizers & Party Food
  • Asian
  • Curries
  • Dinner
  • One Pot
  • Pasta
  • Roast Dinner
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooked
  • Soups
  • Street Food
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Dinner

    Garlic Lemon and Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb

    Published: Mar 25, 2019 · Modified: Jan 29, 2020 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Go to Video Print Recipe

    My Garlic, Lemon and Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb makes a great centerpiece for Easter Dinner. Plus it's so quick to cook too!
    Herb crusted roasted rack of lamb with a slice taken out

    Do you ever think about cooking dinner in terms of ROI (return on investment) - or is that just me??
    Well if you do, this one totally hits the spot!

    Lets have a look at this a little further:

    Meals that don't have a good ROI:

    • Take ages to prepare yet and either don't taste great, or don't taste any better than a shop bought version (homemade puff pastry would fall into this category for me)
    • Take ages to prepare, and the kids moan and push half of it to the side of their plate (grrr)
    • Ingredients cost a lot of money, and it tastes ok (or worse)
    • Lots of bowls, pans and dishes used to prepare the meal, and it tastes ok (or worse) - there's a lot to be said for tasty one-pan meals

    Meals that do have a good ROI:

    • Quick to prepare/cook and tasty
    • Uses store cupboard ingredients, leftovers or the odds and ends in your fridge when your fridge is 'empty' and is tasty
    • Is freezable, so you can batch cook and freeze in portions for a quick dinner - and is tasty
    • Looks impressive, tastes great and is easy and/or quick to prepare

    Now these racks of lamb are so delicious - succulent, flavourful, quick and easy to prepare and cook, AND they look impressive too. Which means they're a great idea for that all important Easter Dinner!

    First we mix garlic, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, olive oil and salt & pepper in a bowl. Half of this mixture is spread onto the skin side of the two racks of lamb. This adds lovely flavour, and also helps the breadcrumb mixture to stick.

    Next we add breadcrumbs to the remaining herb mixture in the bowl, along with some paprika (for a bit more colour). Roll the skin-sides of the lamb shanks in the crumb mixture, then cook in the oven for 20 minutes for the perfect medium-rare finish.

    Collage of photos showing how to make a rack of lamb with garlic, lemon and thyme crust

    That's it! Done!

    two herb-crusted racks of lamb on a wooden board

    I like to serve it with veggies and saute potatoes or boiled baby new potatoes.

    Herb crusted rack of lamb with a slice taken out

    Check out the recipe video here:


    If you like this one, I also have a honey mustard version that I made for Neff. Sooooo good!

    The Garlic Lemon and Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe:

    Square image of Herb crusted roasted rack of lamb with a slice taken out

    Garlic Lemon and Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    My Garlic, Lemon and Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb makes a great centerpiece for Easter Dinner. Plus it's so quick to cook too!
    5 from 1 vote
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine British
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 716 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp pepper
    • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
    • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
    • 1 clove garlic - peeled and minced
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 1 ¼ cups (60g) panko breadcrumbs
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • 2 racks of lamb - each with 6 chops

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. 
    • Place the oil (3tbsp) in a bowl with the salt (½ tsp), pepper (½ tsp), fresh parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped), fresh thyme (2 tbsp, finely chopped), garlic (1 minced clove) and lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon). Stir together.
    • Add half of the oil mixture to the panko breadcrumbs (1 ¼ cups or 60g) along with the paprika (½ tsp) and stir together until the oil coats the breadcrumbs.
    • Spread the herb oil on the skin side of the racks of lamb.
    • Press the breadcrumb mixture on top of the skin sides of the racks of lamb, pushing down so the breadcrumbs stick to the herb oil.
    • Place the lamb in a roasting tin, bone-side-down, in the oven to cook. 20 minutes for medium-rare, 25 minutes for medium. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Video

    ✎ Notes

    Cut of lamb

    I'm using a French trimmed rack of lamb. This is a section of the ribs (usually 6 or 7 ribs). The term French-trimmed means the rib bones are exposed or 'frenched'. You can buy them ready-'frenched' from your butcher or large stores.

    How long to cook rack of lamb

    I cook a small rack of lamb for 20 minutes for medium rare. Cook for 25 minutes for medium, or 30-35 minutes for well-done. Leave to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.

    Mixing the breadcrumbs with the oil

    I often like to mix my breadcrumbs with oil before crumbing something. If you mix them wee and don't you too much oil, the breadcrumbs won't clump together. Mixing them in this way means you don't have to drizzle over oil before cooking in the oven. I find that drizzling the oil on, means some breadcrumbs will have oil on and some won't, so the result can be a little uneven.

    Type of breadcrumbs

    Use panko or fresh breadcrumbs. To make fresh breadcrumbs, you can grate fresh or slightly stale bread (takes ages though!) or whizz up bread in a food processor (much easier).

    Can I make it gluten free?

    Yes, use gluten free panko (Kikkoman do them) or make your own fresh breadcrumbs from gluten free bread.

    Make ahead?

    This recipe is best made right before cooking.

    What to serve with a rack of lamb

    I love to serve rack of lamb with saute potatoes and green vegetables.
    You could also serve with boiled baby new potatoes, roast or baked potatoes.
    Mint sauce or red currant jelly also makes a great accompaniment.
     

    Nutritional Information is per serving (3 small chops)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 716kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 24gFat: 61gSaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 511mgPotassium: 345mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 470IUVitamin C: 8.3mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 3.8mg
    Keywords easter, spring
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    More Dinner Recipes

    • Overhead square image of chicken cacciatore in a large, shallow blue casserole dish. The dish is on a wooden table, next to some fresh herbs.
      Chicken Cacciatore
    • Overhead photo of creamy chicken dijon in a pan.
      Creamy Chicken Dijon
    • Square image of salt and pepper pork ribs on a black plate. The ribs are topped with chopped chillies and spring onions. The plate is on a dark background. There is a red chilli pepper and blue napkin at the top of the frame.
      Ultimate Salt and Pepper Ribs
    • Square image of pesto spaghetti on a light grey plate being swirled with a gold fork. The pasta is sprinkled with baby basil leaves, toasted pine nuts and parmesan. The plate is on a light grey surface.
      Pesto Pasta Recipe

    Other Recipes You Might Like:

    Herb crusted rack of lamb on a wooden board with a slice taken off - showing pink centre. Rocket and pomegranate seeds strewn around the board.
    Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
    Overhead square image of 3 marinated and cooked lamb cutlets on a dark blue plate next to a side salad. The lamb cutlets are sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
    Korean Style Lamb Cutlets
    Overhead image of creamy pork and bacon casserole in a white casserole pan, on a light blue surface. There is a spoonful of the casserole being taken. There is some torn bread and parsley on the table, around the casserole pan.
    Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole
    Close up pictures of lamb koftas on metal skewers sat on a wooden board with a bowl of dipping sauce in the foreground out of focus.
    Lamb Kofta Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Rate the recipe




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      March 31, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Just looking at that crust makes my mouth water. I've pinned this to make in the very near futures. It looks just plain delicious! I'd be so honored if you shared this at our recipe party - What's for Dinner!
      http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-linkup-194/

      Reply
    2. Barbara says

      March 27, 2019 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      This will be my Easter centerpiece this year, I love lamb and this looks so delicious.
      I love the fact that it's so quick, gives me more time to spend with my family. Thank you 🙂

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    Recipes by category:

    • Popular Recipes
    • Asian
    • Curries
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • British Classic Recipes
    • BBQ
    • Roast Dinner
    • Street Food
    • Pasta
    Search For a Recipe

    Our Top Trending Recipes:

    • Crispy Sesame Chicken on a bed of rice in a stone bowl
      Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
    • honey garlic chicken in a bowl on top of boiled rice
      Honey Garlic Chicken
    • Roast potatoes with salt and fresh thyme leaves
      The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
    • Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon - a family favourite (and it makes great leftovers too!).
      Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon
    • Chicken curry in a white bowl with rice.
      Easy Chicken Curry
    • Satay sauce in a small copper pan topped with peanuts and coriander
      Easy Satay Sauce Recipe
    • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
      Korean Fried Chicken
    • Overhead image of tuna pasta bake in a white dish topped with finely chopped parsley.
      Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    FREE recipes direct to your inbox!

    Never miss a recipe and sign up for our completely FREE emails.

      Featured Recipes:

      • Hands holding bowl of Bowl of chilli con carne with rice
        Chilli Con Carne
      • Lancashire hotpot on wooden background
        Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
      • A dish of creamy chicken pie with puff pastry sat on a blue and white striped cloth.
        Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
      • Egg fried rice on a dark bowl on a white background.
        Egg Fried Rice
      • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
        Korean Fried Chicken
      • Firecracker Chicken on a blue plate against a dark background
        Copycat Firecracker Chicken
      • Square image of buffalo chicken pasta in a silver pan on a light grey background.
        Buffalo Chicken Pasta
      • A simple made-from-scratch curry, slow cooked to intensify the heat and flavour.
        Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Curry
      As Featured On
      brit and co logo
      buzzfeed logo
      cheshire life logo
      country living logo
      beautiful home and life logo
      my fitness pal logo
      Neff logo
      The telegraph logo
      The Kitchn logo
      Vegetarian society logo

      Footer

      Nicky Corbishley is the recipe creator and photographer for Kitchen Sanctuary. Wife to Chris (chief techie and videographer) and mum to Lewis and Gracey. Read More…

      DMCA.com Protection Status

      Most Recent Recipes

      • Dal Makhani Recipe
      • Chicken Cacciatore
      • Slow Cooker Jam Sponge Pudding
      • Creamy Chicken Dijon
      • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

      Copyright © 2023 LoveFoodCreative Ltd - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Terms & Conditions