Tender and Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Lamb Rack
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat30gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Rack of lamb (8 ribs, bone-in)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled)4 cloves
- Fresh rosemary (choose firm, green sprigs)2 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
- Salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)1.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
- Smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)1 tsp
- Honey (optional, for glaze)1 tbsp
This recipe guides you through slow cooking a lamb rack on a barbecue for a tender and flavorful result. Slow cooking lamb helps break down the connective tissues, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The instructions focus on safe cooking temperatures and kitchen safety practices. The total ingredient cost is approximately $20 / €18 / £15 / ₹1500, providing a gourmet meal at home. Each serving offers around 450 kcal. Suitable for meat lovers and anyone looking for a simple yet impressive BBQ dish. Difficulty: Medium; Cooking time: about 2.5 hours (including resting).
Preparation instructions
Prepare the lamb rack
1Pat the lamb rack dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps in browning. Using a sharp knife, trim excess fat if desired, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat juicy.
Make the herb garlic rub
2In a small bowl, crush the garlic cloves and chop rosemary finely. Mix with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire lamb rack.
Prepare the BBQ for slow cooking
3Set up your BBQ for indirect heat cooking. For charcoal, place the coals to one side only; for gas, light one side of burners and leave the other side off. Aim for a temperature around 120°C (250°F). Use a grill thermometer to monitor.
Slow cook the lamb rack
4Place the lamb rack, fat side up, on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat), away from the coals or burners. Close the lid and cook slowly for about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare or 65°C (149°F) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain the temperature.
Rest the lamb
5Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the lamb rack from the grill and brush with honey if you like a sweet glaze. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
Slice and serve
6After resting, slice the rack between the bones into individual chops. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or salad.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a meat thermometer to ensure lamb is cooked to a safe temperature; this avoids over- or under-cooking.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
3If you don’t have a BBQ, you can replicate slow cooking in the oven at 120°C (250°F) using a roasting pan and wire rack.
4Letting the lamb rest is crucial to juicy meat; do not skip this step.
Equipment Needed
- BBQ grill or oven suited for low-temperature cooking
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs or grilling tools
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush (optional)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Rack of lamb (8 ribs) Approx. $18 - Choose fresh, firm, and pink meat with white fat for best quality.
- [ ] Garlic cloves Approx. $0.50 - Look for firm cloves without sprouting.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary Approx. $1.50 - Select bright green and aromatic sprigs.
- [ ] Olive oil Approx. $0.50 (based on amount used) - Opt for extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Salt Approx. $0.10 (negligible) - Kosher or sea salt preferred.
- [ ] Black pepper Approx. $0.10 (negligible) - Freshly ground recommended.
- [ ] Smoked paprika Approx. $0.30 (optional) - Check freshness and color.
- [ ] Honey Approx. $0.50 (optional) - Choose raw or natural honey for flavor.
Total Approximate Cost: $21 - Simple, quality ingredients to enhance the natural lamb flavor.
FAQ
What internal temperature should lamb rack reach to be safe?
Cook lamb rack to at least 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare or 65°C (149°F) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat.
How do I know when the lamb is done on the BBQ?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb rack between the bones, avoiding bone contact. When it reaches your desired temperature, it is done.
Can I slow cook lamb rack in the oven instead of BBQ?
Yes, you can slow cook the lamb rack in an oven preheated to 120°C (250°F). Use a roasting pan with a rack to replicate indirect heat.
Should I flip the lamb rack during slow cooking?
No need to flip the lamb rack. Cooking it fat side up allows the fat to baste the meat as it melts for juicier results.
How should I safely handle raw lamb?
Keep raw lamb separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat.