
Succulent Slow-Cooked Lamb Rack with Rich Homemade Gravy
Nutritional value per serving
Calories600kcal
Carbs12gram
Fat40gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Lamb rack, frenched (ask your butcher to clean the bone tips) - look for fresh, pink meat with firm texture1 kg
- Olive oil - extra virgin for flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced - fresh is best for aroma4 pieces
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, finely chopped2 tbsp
- Fresh thyme sprigs, finely chopped1 tbsp
- Salt - preferably sea salt or kosher salt1.5 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground1 tsp
- Beef or lamb stock (low sodium preferred)500 ml
- Red wine (optional but adds depth to gravy)150 ml
- Butter2 tbsp
- Plain flour or cornstarch (for gravy thickening)1.5 tbsp

This recipe guides you through preparing a delicious slow-cooked lamb rack accompanied by a rich homemade gravy. Slow cooking lamb makes the meat tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The recipe is straightforward, ideal for home cooks of all skills. Ingredients are commonly available in supermarkets. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $25 / €23 / £20 / ₹1850. The entire dish contains around 600 kcal per serving. This dish suits a medium difficulty level and requires about 3 hours in total, mainly for slow cooking. It is perfect for a comforting weekend meal or special occasion. Ensure safe food handling practices such as avoiding cross-contamination and cooking the lamb to the recommended internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare, or higher for well done if preferred. Rest the meat after cooking to retain juices, and use a meat thermometer for safety and precision.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Lamb Rack
1Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Pat the lamb rack dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps browning. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the lamb rack evenly. This step infuses the meat with flavor.
Sear the Lamb Rack
2Heat a heavy oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the lamb rack fat side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Searing locks in the juices and adds flavor through caramelization.
Slow Cook the Lamb Rack
3Transfer the skillet or roasting pan to the preheated oven. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the lamb, avoiding the bone. Slow cook until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare, about 1.5 to 2 hours. For medium, wait until 70°C (158°F). This slow roasting ensures tender and juicy lamb. Use food-safe thermometers and avoid crossing contamination by cleaning the probe after use.
Rest the Meat
4Remove the lamb rack from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and flavorful.
Make the Gravy
5Pour off the excess fat from the roasting pan, leaving brown bits. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat, add red wine if using, and scrape the pan to loosen browned bits. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix flour with a bit of water to form a slurry and whisk it into the simmering liquid. Cook until the gravy thickens to your liking. Stir in butter for richness and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve
6Carve the lamb rack into individual chops and serve hot with the warm gravy poured over or on the side.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking; slow roast to avoid overcooking.
2Resting the meat after cooking is essential to keep it moist and tender.
3If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1 tsp dried rosemary and 0.5 tsp dried thyme instead.
4For a non-alcoholic gravy, substitute red wine with additional stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Oven-safe skillet or roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Shopping List
- [ ] Lamb rack (1 kg), approx. $20: Choose fresh, pink lamb with firm texture, preferably frenched.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp), approx. $0.50: Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4), approx. $0.20: Choose firm bulbs without sprouting.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (2 tbsp), approx. $1: Look for green stems and fragrance.
- [ ] Fresh thyme (1 tbsp), approx. $0.50: Pick fresh and fragrant sprigs.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper, approx. $0.10: Use preferred types.
- [ ] Beef or lamb stock (500 ml), approx. $2: Look for low sodium options.
- [ ] Red wine (150 ml, optional), approx. $1: A dry red wine works best.
- [ ] Butter (2 tbsp), approx. $0.30: Use unsalted for better control.
- [ ] Plain flour or cornstarch (1.5 tbsp), approx. $0.10: For thickening the gravy.
Total approximate cost: $25
FAQ
What is the safe internal temperature to cook lamb rack?
For medium-rare, cook the lamb rack to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). For medium, aim for 70°C (158°F). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
How do I avoid dry lamb when slow cooking?
Slow cooking at a low temperature and resting the meat after cooking helps retain moisture. Also, searing the meat locks in juices.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount for dried herbs compared to fresh.
What if I don’t have red wine for the gravy?
You can substitute red wine with additional beef or lamb stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep complexity in the gravy.