Rack of lamb is a classic, elegant cut of meat that is perfect for special occasions. With a luscious texture and rich, meaty flavor, rack of lamb can be the star of any holiday meal or dinner party. However, cooking rack of lamb properly is key to bringing out its best qualities. One of the most important factors in cooking rack of lamb is temperature control. Knowing the ideal temperature for rack of lamb ensures it comes out with a tender, juicy interior and browned, caramelized exterior.
What is Rack of Lamb?
Rack of lamb refers to a rack that has been frenched, meaning the meat has been trimmed off the ends of the rib bones. The rack contains a set of ribs from one side of the animal’s body. Rack of lamb is prized for its tenderness and flavor. Since it comes from younger lambs, the meat is more delicate and milder in taste compared to lamb from older sheep. The fat marbling also helps keep rack of lamb moist and tender.
Rack of lamb is often served with the rib bones “frenched” or cleaned of meat and fat. This gives the rack a elegant presentation with a “lollipop” style bone at one end. The rack can then be carved into individual chops or sliced between the bones. Typical rack of lamb contains 7 or 8 ribs. A full rack can serve 2-4 people, depending on the size of the chops and appetite of the diners.
Why Temperature Control is Key
Cooking rack of lamb to the proper internal temperature is vital for getting the best results. If the temperature is too low, the meat will be undercooked, raw and tough in the center. If the temperature is too high, the rack will be overcooked, dry and chewy throughout.
The optimal internal temperature allows the meat to reach a perfect medium rare doneness. At this stage, the lamb is still pink and juicy in the middle while the outer part is browned. This ensures you get the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that rack of lamb is prized for.
Controlling temperature also gives you leeway to develop that all-important sear on the exterior. You want a deeply caramelized, brown crust that adds visual appeal and another layer of flavor. Getting the right sear requires high heat at the beginning and end of cooking. A thermometer enables you to sear aggressively while still maintaining that blushing pink center.
Ideal Temperature for Rack of Lamb
Target Internal Temperature
The ideal finished temperature for rack of lamb is 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium rare doneness. At this stage, the center should be a warm pink color while the outer portion is nicely browned.
Cooking rack of lamb to medium rare doneness preserves the meat’s inherent tenderness and moisture content. It allows the intramuscular fat to render just enough, keeping each bite supple and full of flavor.
For those who prefer their lamb more well done, aim for an internal temperature closer to 145°F (63°C). This will give you a more uniform brown color throughout while still retaining a hint of pinkness in the thickest part of the chops. Temperatures beyond 150°F (66°C) risk drying out the meat.
Resting & Carryover Cooking
When cooking rack of lamb, always let the meat rest before slicing and serving. Resting gives the juices time to redistribute evenly within the meat fibers. During resting, the internal temperature will continue rising by around 5-10°F through carryover cooking.
To hit that perfect medium rare mark of 130-135°F, you’ll want to pull the lamb from the oven, grill or pan at around 125°F (52°C). After letting it rest for 5-10 minutes, the temperature will climb to the target range.
Proper resting also prevents losing those delicious juices on the cutting board. Always tent the lamb loosely with foil while resting so it stays warm. The meat’s natural juices will be reabsorbed rather than leaking out where the rack is sliced.
Temperature for Searing
In addition to the finished internal temperature, having high enough heat for searing is also key. A good sear requires temperatures above 400°F. To get a deeply caramelized crust, make sure to pat the lamb dry before searing. Oven roasting, grilling or cooking in a heavy pan like cast iron are all effective searing methods.
Quickly browning the exterior at a high temperature before and after roasting is essential. It builds tremendous depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction while also enhancing presentation.
How to Check Internal Temperature
Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to monitor internal temperature. Thermometers quickly gauge the doneness of the thickest part of the meat without cutting it open. To check temperature, insert the probe into the center of the rack, being careful to avoid hitting bone.
For oven roasting, grilling or pan searing, use the thermometer periodically to check for the target temperature during cooking. Check in a couple spots to account for any unevenness.
When cooking rack of lamb sous vide, the thermometer is required before sealing the bag to ensure the water bath is at the right temperature.
Digital instant read thermometers provide fastest, most precise readings. Leave the probe in for 15-20 seconds to allow the temperature display to fully stabilize. Thermocouples with thin probes minimize the size of the puncture hole.
Cooking Methods for Rack of Lamb
Achieving that flawless medium rare rack of lamb depends on choosing the right cooking method and temperature settings. Here are some of the most popular preparation techniques:
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting is a simple, reliable cooking method that yields incredibly tender, flavorful results. Use a rack in a roasting pan so the lamb isn’t sitting directly on the bottom. Roast at 450°F for 10 minutes to sear the exterior, then reduce heat to 350°F until it reaches 5-10°F below desired doneness. Finishing at a higher temperature again will further enhance the crust.
For a 1.5 lb rack, roast for 25-35 minutes total. Rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Grilling
Grilling rack of lamb imparts delicious smoky notes. Get the grill as hot as possible, 500°F+ if using a gas grill. Quickly sear the lamb for 2-3 minutes per side. Then move to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking over indirect heat, with the lid closed, until reaching desired doneness. Insert a smoker box of wood chips for extra flavor.
Pan Searing
To pan sear, use a heavy, oven-safe pan like cast iron or stainless steel. Heat the pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Sear the lamb for 1-2 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms. Place the pan in a 400°F oven to finish cooking to the target internal temperature.
Sous Vide
With sous vide’s precise temperature control, rack of lamb comes out perfect edge to edge. Vacuum seal the lamb, submerge in 130-135°F water and cook 1-4 hours depending on thickness. Shock in an ice bath before searing the exterior in a hot pan or on the grill.
Seasoning and Herb Crust Ideas
Rack of lamb pairs wonderfully with all kinds of herbs, spices andseasonings.Get creative and use ingredients that complement the flavor of the lamb:
– Fresh rosemary, thyme, sage – classic aromatics that bring out the lamb essence
– Garlic, shallots, onions – build depth of flavor
– Mustard, lemon, mint – add brightness
– Spices like cumin, coriander, pepper, chili – spike with heat and complexity
– Anchovies, olives, capers – umami richness
– Compound butter – flavorful fat that bastes the meat during cooking
– Breadcrumbs, nuts like almonds, pistachios – textural contrast
– Herbed crusts with Dijon, Parmesan, parsley or tapenade
Whatever the preparation, high-quality rack of lamb does not require much adornment to star in any meal. With proper temperature control, it rewards you with tender, juicy perfection topped with a browned, crusty exterior. Savor rack of lamb served simply with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt to appreciate its elegant flavor.
Doneness Guide
Use these descriptions and visual cues to identify when your rack of lamb is cooked to your desired doneness:
Rare
– Internal temperature: 115-125°F (46-52°C)
– Color: Bright red and cool center
– Texture: Soft and very juicy
Medium Rare
– Internal temperature: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
– Color: Warm red to pink center
– Texture: Tender and moist
Medium
– Internal temperature: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
– Color: Pink with hint of red center
– Texture: Firm but still juicy
Medium Well
– Internal temperature: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
– Color: trace of pink
– Texture: Firming up, starting to dry
Well Done
– Internal temperature: 160+°F (71°C+)
– Color: Uniform brown throughout
– Texture: Can be dry and tough
Serving Suggestions
Rack of lamb makes an elegant meal for special occasions. Here are serving ideas to complement this fine cut of meat:
Sides
– Roasted or mashed potatoes
– Polenta or risotto
– Sauteed greens like spinach or kale
– Grilled asparagus or green beans
– Crispy roasted carrots or parsnips
Sauces
– Red wine or demi glace
– Mint or chimichurri sauce
– Garlic aioli or mustard creme fraiche
– Olive tapenade
Composed Dishes
– Lamb served over ratatouille
– On top of creamy polenta with brussels sprouts
– With Israeli couscous, feta and cucumber salad
– Alongside wild mushroom risotto or orzo
– With tabbouleh stuffed peppers or zucchini
A rack of lamb is the highlight of any special meal. With proper temperature control, it delivers perfect medium rare results with a browned crust every time. Savor this elegant, richly flavored cut simply seasoned or with creative sauces and sides.