The Story & Intro
I remember standing by the grill one spring evening, brushing olive oil over a beautifully marbled rack of lamb. That moment, just me, the sizzling fat, and the scent of garlic and rosemary, hooked me forever. Growing up surrounded by nature, I learned to appreciate earthy, soulful flavors, and grilled rack of lamb always feels like home on a plat.
grilled rack of lamb is elegant yet simple. No overthinking, just instinct and flame. Whether it’s for a weekend dinner or a casual get-together, it’s one of those recipes that delivers big flavor with little effort. The key is in the cut and the method, grill it right, and you’ll unlock juicy tenderness with a smoky crust that rivals fine dining.
Choosing the right rack is everything. Look for a Frenched lamb rack, trimmed but with a good fat cap. Pat it dry, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs, then let it rest at room temperature before it hits the grill. That rest makes all the difference in even cooking.
On How to Make Recipe, you’ll find more easy meat recipes that follow the same principle: bold, balanced, and made with love. For lamb lovers, check out our Turkish Chicken Doner Kebab for another aromatic twist.
Table of Contents
Basic Rub Recipe (per 1.5 lb rack)
Rub it all over the lamb and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- 1.5–2 lb rack of lamb, Frenched
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
instructions:
- Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern (don’t cut into the meat)
- Mix garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil to form a rub
- Rub mixture evenly over the lamb and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes
- Preheat grill with one side on high and the other off (two-zone)
- Sear lamb fat side down over high heat for 2–3 minutes, then flip for another 2 minutes
- Move lamb to indirect heat, fat side up, and grill covered for 15–20 minutes
- Use thermometer to check doneness (125°F for medium-rare)
- Rest lamb for 10 minutes before slicing and serving
Grilling Rack of Lamb on a Gas Grill
Preheat one side of your Weber gas grill to high and leave the other side off. Sear the lamb, fat side down, over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer it to the cooler zone, fat side up, and close the lid.
Grill for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare. Remove from the grill and rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Use a meat thermometer, don’t guess. Cooking time depends on thickness. For best accuracy, insert the probe into the thickest part, away from the bone.
Best Cooking Method for grilled rack of lamb
Grilling offers flavor that oven roasting can’t match. The sear builds a smoky crust; indirect heat finishes the inside gently. Always start hot, then reduce intensity.
Yes, you should sear. Searing builds flavor through the Maillard reaction. It’s not optional, it’s essential. You can reverse sear (slow roast, then sear), but for grilling, sear-then-indirect is faster and works beautifully.
Skip complex marinades. Lamb is bold enough. Stick with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and a pinch of lemon zest if you want brightness.
Fat Side & Grilling Time Guide
Grill fat side down first. This renders and crisps the fat. After 2–3 minutes, flip, then finish over indirect heat, fat side up, to retain moisture.
Here’s a quick guide to timing and temperature:
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F | 12–15 min |
| Medium-Rare | 125°F | 15–20 min |
| Medium | 135°F | 18–22 min |
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eHow to grill rack of lamb on Weber gas grill?u003c/strongu003e
u003cbru003eSear fat side down over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Then move to indirect heat, fat side up, and grill covered until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
u003cstrongu003eDo you grill rack of lamb fat side up or down?u003c/strongu003e
u003cbru003eStart fat side down to crisp the fat. Finish fat side up during indirect cooking to keep moisture inside.
What is the best cooking method for a rack of lamb?
u003cbru003eGrilling with a sear-then-indirect finish gives the best flavor and texture. Simple and smoky beats oven roasting for most palates.
u003cstrongu003eHow long to cook lamb on a barbecue grill?u003c/strongu003e
u003cbru003e15–20 minutes for medium-rare. Always check internal temp. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
u003cstrongu003eShould I sear rack of lamb first?u003c/strongu003e
u003cbru003eAbsolutely. Searing builds flavor, locks moisture, and gives that signature crust.
What to Serve with Grilled Rack of Lamb
If you want to round out grilled rack of lamb, consider serving with:
- Mediterranean Eggplant Recipes
- Turkish Chicken and Rice
- Turkish Tomato Soup
- Autumn Squash Soup
- Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers
Final Thoughts
A perfect grilled rack of lamb comes down to three steps: Sear. Indirect Heat. Rest. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated rubs, just care and precision. Next time you’re planning a dinner to impress, skip the oven and fire up the grill.
Ready to try it? Save grilled rack of lamb, follow your instincts, and enjoy the process.
Print
Grilled Rack of Lamb
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
An elegant yet simple grilled rack of lamb recipe with bold flavors and a smoky crust.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lb rack of lamb, Frenched
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern (don’t cut into the meat).
- Mix garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil to form a rub.
- Rub mixture evenly over the lamb and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill with one side on high and the other off (two-zone).
- Sear lamb fat side down over high heat for 2–3 minutes, then flip for another 2 minutes.
- Move lamb to indirect heat, fat side up, and grill covered for 15–20 minutes.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness (125°F for medium-rare).
- Rest lamb for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Resting is key for juicy and tender meat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg