We made a rack of lamb for Easter dinner. It was a classic preparation.
Start with a rack of lamb.
I made a rub by combining fresh chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and a little bit of red pepper flakes.
I made it into a paste by mashing it in a mortar and pestle. I also added a little olive oil.
I can’t emphasize how good this technique is. You’ll extract much more flavor from your herbs and aromatics with this technique compared to a food processor. And it’s way easier to clean.
I spread the paste on the fat side of the rack, and found that I didn’t make enough.
So I made more.
I put the rack in Smaug, indirect at 300ºF. I left it there until the internal temperature hit 125ºF.
Then I took out the deflector, put the searing grate in, let the fire get real hot, and direct grilled the rack along with some asparagus. Note that I put the bones over the asparagus. This was to keep them from burning, without having to go through wrapping the bones with foil.
This is the part where I had a near disaster. I tried grilling with the fat side down, and then the rosemary/thyme/garlic crust started peeling off. I managed to salvage most of it.
Here are the money shots. My wife made mashed potatoes and roasted cauliflower.
It was delicious. I actually think I could have let the IT go to 130ºF. I like beef medium rare, but I think lamb is a bit better if cooked to medium.
For next time, I could use any tips for getting the paste to stay on the fat side better.