Print

Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb

Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb

Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb is an elegant and easy-to-prepare gourmet dish featuring tender, juicy lamb coated with a crunchy, flavorful crust made from finely chopped pistachios, fresh herbs, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of textures and rich flavors that will impress any guest.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 fresh frenched rack of lamb, 8 ribs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)

Crust

  • 3/4 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for searing
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning lamb

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pistachio Crust: Finely chop the shelled pistachios until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix them with the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the crunchy herbaceous coating.
  2. Season the Rack of Lamb: Generously season the rack of lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the lamb to develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices. Then let the lamb rest briefly.
  3. Brush with Mustard: After resting, brush the entire surface of the seared lamb with a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard. This adds flavor and helps the pistachio crust adhere.
  4. Apply the Pistachio Crust: Firmly press the pistachio and herb mixture onto the mustard-coated lamb, ensuring all exposed meat is evenly covered with a thick layer of crust.
  5. Roast Until Perfect: Transfer the crusted rack to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 15 to 20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature 130-135°F), or longer if preferred more done.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the ribs. This ensures the meat stays juicy and the crust remains intact.

Notes

  • Choose fresh lamb for tender, flavorful results.
  • Don’t skip searing; it locks in juices and adds flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
  • Lightly toast pistachios before chopping to intensify flavor.
  • Let the lamb rest after cooking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb rack, pistachio crust, gourmet lamb recipe, easy elegant dinner, gluten free lamb recipe