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Roasted New Zealand Lamb Rack
Delicious New Zealand Lamb Rack with Sweet Potato Mash, Smashed Avocado, Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Mint, and Thyme
Have you had a New Zealand lamb rack before? It’s definitely up there with the best cuts of beef like, say, roasted beef tenderloin. Lamb rack is absolutely a delicious option for special occasions. This recipe for roasted rack of lamb is easy to follow and yields amazing results.
Plus, the New Zealand variety has a beautiful mild sweet flavor that everyone will love. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation!
Have you ever roasted a rack of lamb? If not, you’re in for a real treat. Don’t worry I’ve got your back, follow my method on how to cook the perfect lamb rack and you won’t go wrong.
How To Cook A Lamb Rack
Firstly take the lamb racks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. When you’re ready to cook your racks season them with salt and pepper, and also rub fresh thyme over the meat. Heat a pan on medium heat, and add a drizzle of rice bran oil. Lightly sear the racks on both sides and place them onto a baking tray.
CHEFS TIP:
Place the lamb rack into a 356ºF or 180ºC pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes. With such a small and delicate piece of lamb, you should cook it 4-5 degrees under your desired goal endpoint temperature. The most accurate and fail-safe way to do this is to use a digital meat thermometer.
When you have reached your desired endpoint temperature. Remove the racks from the roasting tray and rest them in a warm place for 4-5 minutes.
CHEFS TIP:
Meat Doneness Temperature Guide
| Meat Doneness | Temp (ºC) | Temp (ºF) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 43ºC | 110ºF |
| Rare | 49 – 53ºC | 120 – 127ºF |
| Med-Rare | 54 – 57ºC | 129 – 134ºF |
| Medium | 58 – 61ºC | 136 – 141ºF |
| Mid-Well | 62 – 65ºC | 143 – 149ºF |
| Well Done | 65ºC and Above | 149ºF and Above |
Is New Zealand Lamb Good Quality?
There’s no denying that New Zealand lamb is of some of the best quality in the world. The country is famous for its sheep farming practices and the end result is a delicious, high-quality product.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional rack of lamb or something a little more unique, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for from a New Zealand supplier.
And because the country has such strict environmental regulations, you can be confident that the lamb is raised in conditions that are as close to natural as possible.
So if you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to lamb, be sure to give New Zealand Lamb a try!
Are Lamb Racks Expensive?
Yes, a rack of lamb is expensive. The rack of lamb price can vary depending on the quality of the meat, and the country of origin. It’s generally more expensive than other cuts of lamb.
However, it’s worth the investment because the lamb rack is a tender and luxurious cut that’s perfect for special occasions. New Zealand lamb price is between $40 – $50 NZD per kg or $11.30 – $14.10 USD per pound. (this is based on the current exchange rate and could vary in the different US States).
Is Lamb Healthier Than Beef?
Grass-fed lamb and beef have the same number of calories, so they are both equally healthy. Some people believe that lamb is healthier than beef because it has less fat, but this is not true – both types of meat have about the same amount of fat. However, lamb may be healthier than beef in some ways, because it is rich in Omega 3 healthy fats.
Savory Sweet Potatoes Mash
Savory sweet potato mash pairs well with this New Zealand lamb rack. The best and tastiest way to make sweet potato mash is to roast or steam them in their skins. This can be easily done, first prick the sweet potato making sure to pierce the skin. Place them into a baking tray and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Place them into a 374ºF or 190ºC pre-heated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potato flesh is soft. Remove them from the oven and let them stand for 2-3 minutes. Then carefully peel them and place them into a bowl, add a knob of butter, season with Himalayan pink salt, and quickly mash while they’re still hot. Adjust seasoning if needed.
You can also not peel the sweet potato and mash it with the skin still on. You can eat sweet potato skin. If you decided to do this make sure to thoroughly wash them before roasting.
CHEFS TIP:
Smashed Avocado
This is so easy to make and the rewards are amazing. Smashed avocado is excellent with just about anything, including a beautiful juicy lamb rack. Place the peeled avocados into a bowl add the juice from half a lemon, and smash into a pulpy paste. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and season with Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Larder Stables And Must Have Kitchen Tools
Essential Kitchen Tools – Must Haves
You can’t be at a professional level in the kitchen unless you own a variety of high-end tools. Genius kitchen gadgets are an essential part of any home cook’s or aspiring chef’s arsenal. From some of the best chef knives, and kitchen cookware, to wooden cutting boards. These will set you apart from others and get you ready with what you need to start making meals like a chef.
My Professional Recommendations
Many chefs, including myself, prefer sea salt like Maldon salt flakes or Himalayan pink salt. Both can be used for cooking and finishing. They have a refined flavor that brings out the natural taste of food.
New Zealand Lamb Rack With Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients
- 2 each Lamb racks - work on ½ a rack per person
- Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4-5 sprigs Fresh thyme
- Rice bran oil
Sweet Potato Mash
- 3-4 medium-sized Sweet potatoes
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup Salted butter
Smashed Avocado
- 1 large Avocado - peeled and smashed
- Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper
- drizzle Olive oil - extra virgin
- Juice of ½ a lemon
Garnish
- 3-4 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1-2 sprigs Fresh mint
- drizzle Olive oil - extra virgin
Instructions
Savory Sweet Potatoes Mash
- First prick the sweet potato making sure to pierce the skin. Place them into a baking tray and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.Place them into a 374ºF or 190ºC pre-heated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potato flesh is soft. Remove them from the oven and let them stand for 2-3 minutes. Then carefully peel them and place them into a bowl, add a knob of butter, season with Himalayan pink salt, and quickly mash while they’re still hot. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Smashed Avocado
- Place the peeled avocados into a bowl add the juice from half a lemon, and smash into a pulpy paste. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and season with Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cooking The Lamb Rack
- Take the lamb racks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. When you’re ready to cook your racks season them with salt and pepper, and also rub fresh thyme over the meat. Heat a pan on medium heat, and add a drizzle of rice bran oil. Lightly sear the racks on both sides and place them onto a baking tray.Place the lamb rack into a 356ºF or 180ºC pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes. With such a small and delicate piece of lamb, you should cook it 4-5 degrees under your desired goal endpoint temperature. Using a digital meat thermometer.When you have reached your desired endpoint temperature. Remove the racks from the roasting tray and rest them in a warm place for 4-5 minutes before cutting.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Serving Size: 150g New Zealand lamb rack, sweet potato mash, smashed avocado, and fresh herbs.
Calories 640 | Total Fat 31 g | Carbohydrates 40.9 g | Fiber 9.2 g | Protein 43.7 g | Iron 4.2 mg
Delicious New Zealand Lamb Rack
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-follow recipe that will make your dinner guests swoon, look no further. This roasted rack of lamb is perfect for any occasion, and it’s definitely a dish that will make you look like a culinary genius.
New Zealand lamb is the best in the world, grass-fed, and raised in open pastures with plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Next time you’re planning a dinner party, give this recipe for roasted New Zealand lamb rack a go, your guests will be impressed!
