Are you looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple dinner recipe? Look no further! This Costco lamb rack recipe is your answer. It's elegant enough for a special occasion, but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Using a beautiful rack of lamb from Costco makes this a truly impressive dish, elevated beyond your typical quick dinner ideas. Get ready for tender, juicy lamb that will impress your family and friends, all without spending hours in the kitchen. This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with flavor and is a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 (2-3 lb) Costco bone-in lamb rack, frenched (ask your butcher to french it if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the lamb rack dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
Prepare the lamb:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture all over the lamb rack, ensuring it's evenly coated. This is crucial for maximizing flavor.
Roast the lamb:
- Place the lamb rack, bone-side down, in a roasting pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for your preferred level of doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
Rest and serve:
- Once cooked, remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- While the lamb rests, deglaze the roasting pan with balsamic vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this adds incredible depth of flavor to your pan sauce.
- Carve the lamb rack into individual chops and serve with the pan sauce. This easy recipe makes for a perfect healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lamb:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the lamb rack has enough space in the roasting pan to brown properly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your lamb is cooked to your liking.
- Let it rest: Resist the urge to carve the lamb immediately. Resting is key to achieving optimal tenderness.
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, sage, or marjoram.
- Garlic lovers: Add extra garlic to the rub or roast some garlic cloves alongside the lamb.
- Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the pan sauce for a brighter flavor.
- Roasted vegetables: Roast your favorite vegetables (like asparagus, carrots, or potatoes) alongside the lamb for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the lamb rack and serving size. Consult a nutrition calculator for a precise estimate using your specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, lamb is a good source of protein and iron.
This Costco lamb rack recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. The combination of simplicity and impressive results makes it a winner for any occasion. Enjoy!