If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that combines the rich flavors of lamb with the smoky goodness of barbecue, then our BBQ Roasted Rack of Lamb is the perfect recipe for you. This dish not only impresses with its succulent meat but also its beautiful presentation. The rack of lamb is a classic cut, often reserved for special occasions, but with our easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring this gourmet experience to your backyard barbecue. Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients, and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
To make the perfect BBQ Roasted Rack of Lamb, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a perfectly grilled rack of lamb:
Preparation
- Trim the Rack: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the rack of lamb. This will help prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensure an even cook.
- Marinate the Lamb: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it’s well coated. Place the lamb in a dish, cover it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Grilling
Gas Grill
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Prepare the Glaze: While the grill is heating, combine the lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Set aside.
- Sear the Lamb: Place the lamb on the grill, fat side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Indirect Cooking: Move the lamb to a cooler part of the grill to cook indirectly. Brush the glaze over the lamb and close the lid. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Rest the Lamb: Remove the lamb from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Charcoal Grill
- Prepare the Coals: Light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are covered with white ash. Spread them out for indirect cooking.
- Sear the Lamb: Place the lamb directly over the coals and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Indirect Cooking: Move the lamb to the cooler side of the grill. Brush with the glaze and cover. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and glazing, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Rest the Lamb: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Variations
- Marinade: For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.
- Dry Rub: Try a dry rub of your favorite spices if you prefer a crusty exterior.
- Gas Grill Tips: To grill on a Weber gas grill, follow the same steps as for a standard gas grill. Adjust cooking times as needed based on grill performance.
- Charcoal Grill Tips: For a smokier flavor, add wood chips to the coals.
Common Questions
How long does it take to barbecue a rack of lamb?
The cooking time varies based on the grill type and temperature. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare on a gas grill and 25-30 minutes on a charcoal grill.
Why is it called a rack of lamb?
A rack of lamb is named for the rib bones that form a rack, creating an impressive presentation when cooked and served.
What cut of meat is a rack of lamb?
The rack of lamb comes from the rib section of the lamb, known for its tenderness and flavor.
How do you slice a rack of lamb?
To slice, stand the rack on end and cut between the rib bones using a sharp knife.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
Our BBQ Roasted Rack of Lamb is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or weekend barbecue. Its rich flavors, combined with the smokiness of the grill, make it a memorable meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers! Also, explore more delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.