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Fine Dining: Grilled Rack Of Lamb
When it comes to "fine dining" grilling (which, yes, does exist) nothing tops a rack of lamb. While I like leg of lamb, lamb chops, and even ground lamb, nothing tops a rack. The rich and tender rib meat is a real treat.
Although prepping and grilling a rack appears to be labor intensive, it is not. Especially since it is so easy to find racks "pre-frenched," with the meat already removed from the bones. Prep time is about zero.
Speaking of bones, I love to grill meat with exposed bones. When grilling rack of lamb, the love multiplies times the number of bones. My stomach and my heart are easily moved by such a sight. Plus, there is the whole-chew-meat-off-the-bone factor.
Planning a "big" dinner? This is the recipe. I've made it countless times, and it has never disappointed. Not a lamb fan? Give it a try. You might have inadvertently stumbled on a new favorite meal.
Recipe from Weber's Real Grilling™ by Jamie Purviance
Racks of Lamb with Roasted-Shallot Vinaigrette
- People
- Serves 4
- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Grilling Time
- 32 to 34 mins
the Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- 1 large shallot, about 1 ounce, unpeeled
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lamb racks, each 1 to 1½ pounds, frenched
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 01 Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).
- 02 Lightly brush the shallot all over with a bit of the olive oil. Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the shallot over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until blackened in spots and very soft throughout, about 15 minutes, turning once. Remove from the grill and allow to cool. Remove and discard the peel. Finely chop the shallot and put it in a medium bowl along with the remaining vinaigrette ingredients, whisking in the rest of the olive oil to create a smooth dressing.
- 03 Adjust the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).
- 04 Trim any excess fat from the lamb. Allow to stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling. Lightly brush the lamb with oil and season evenly with the thyme, salt, and pepper. Loosely cover the bones with aluminum foil to keep them from burning. Sear the lamb, bone side down first, over direct heat, with the lid closed, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes, turning once (watch for flare-ups). Move the lamb over indirect medium heat, close the lid, and cook to your desired doneness, about 15 minutes more for medium rare. Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before cutting into individual chops. Serve warm with the vinaigrette.
